# Regulation 23 (Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child) — non-compliances in Kerry > What inspectors found under Regulation 23 (Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child) at 77 early years services in Kerry, with providers' responses. ## Regulation 23 in Kerry Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: **77** non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read. An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). 17 June 2026 ##### [Cromane Community Childcare Centre](/creche/cromane-community-childcare-centre-killorglin.md), Killorglin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were 2 unused cooling units with cables attached stored on the floor in the cabin room posing a risk of injury to children. 2. While children were playing in the basketball court, there was 1 unsecured gate. The children could exit the area unsupervised and unauthorised persons could go into the area posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There was a basket of children’s toiletries accessible to children on a low-level shelf in the sanitary accommodation in the Sunshine room posing a risk of injury to children. 4. There was a section of low-level timber fencing with vertical slats located in the outdoor play area. Children could climb over it, out to the unsecured gate leading directly to the carpark and roadway posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 5. The soft vinyl floor matting in the Cabin and the vinyl matting and cushions under the covered in section of the outdoor play area serving the Rainbow room had torn areas. This impacted on the ability to clean them adequately posing a risk of cross infection. 6. A staff member cleaned a child’s nose with a face cloth and cleaned the child’s hands with the same towel posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The 2 unused cooling units were removed from the cabin. The service has replaced the fans with air cooling units that are in place high up and out of the reach of the children. 2. Clips that are tight fitting and difficult to remove were purchased immediately. The staff were advised the clips are to be taken out to the basketball court for use to ensure the safety of children. The adult child ratios are maintained at all times for the safety of the children. 3. A box with the children’s individually labelled toiletries was placed out of the reach of all children in the bathroom in the Sunshine room. 4. Additional netting was purchased and secured to the inside of the fencing. The fencing was subsequently replaced with a new wooden fence with horizontal slats. Infection Control: 5. All the vinyl flooring and mats in the cabin were replaced new matting. The soft matting in the outdoor area serving the rainbow room was replaced and some was repaired with vinyl tape where possible. The equipment will be regularly checked, cleaned, maintained and repaired/replaced as needed to prevent cross contamination and to ensure any repairs are still in place. The service plan to re-cover the soft play mats. 6. The infection control policy was updated, and it was re-issued to the staff who signed off that they have read, understood and comply with the updated policy guidelines 8 June 2026 ##### [Duagh Community Development Ltd.](/creche/duagh-community-development-ltd-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a large, unanchored, shelving unit in Junior Preschool 1B room. This was accessible to the children and was unsteady to touch, posing a safety risk to the children should it fall over. 2. In the Junior Preschool 1B room, the inspectors observed wiring lying underneath the children’s coat hangers accessible to children, posing a tripping hazard. An extension cord hanging from the T.V. sockets and charging cable from a device were not tethered to the wall and were hanging down. These posed a safety risk. Infection Control: 3. There was unpainted timber area with adhesive evident on the corner of a unit where foam pads had been removed in Baby Room 2. This timber area could not be adequately cleaned due to the adhesive in place. This posed an infection control risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following response was received from the registered provider: - General Safety: 1. The unit has been anchored and turned against the wall. Any further shelving units purchased will be low and anchored against the wall. 2. All wiring has now been removed. All extensions and cords will be secured to the wall to prevent access. Infection Control: 3. A local contractor has been contacted to remove padding, sand areas and repaint. This is expected to be completed in four weeks. Foam padding will be removed, and alternatives will be reviewed for the new building 8 June 2026 ##### [The Willow Tree Children's Centre](/creche/the-willow-tree-children-s-centre-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. In the Catkins room, there were 5 feeding chairs stacked on top of each other, with the tables for attaching to the chairs stored loosely on the floor beneath them, posing a risk of injury to the children. Acorns room 2. There was a large container of glue on the floor in the playroom posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There was storage boxes stacked on top of a 4-drawer storage unit in the lobby of the sanitary accommodation posing a risk of injury to children. 4. There was an unsecured cable attached to a fan placed on the floor and there was a fan with an unsecured cable attached accessible on low level shelving, both posing a risk of injury to children. 5. In the outdoor area designated for the children in the Catkins room, the wheels on the red sand/water container were broken, it was unsteady posing a risk of injury to the children. 6. The office door was not secured on occasions when not in use posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 7. The children in the Catkins room did not wash their hands before the morning snack posing a risk of cross infection. 8. The nappy changing practice observed on inspection in the Catkins room demonstrated that a child did not wash their hands after nappy changing posing a risk of cross contamination. 9. There was no pedal bin provided in the adult sanitary accommodation and in the outdoor play area posing a risk of cross infection as the lid of the bin was touched each time when disposing of waste. 10. There was an open bag of clothes that included for example hats and gloves for children stored in the nappy changing room in the Catkins room, posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The highchairs and tables were removed from the playroom into a designated space in the kitchen located beside the playroom. The staff were informed the chairs and tables will be stored in the kitchen and returned to the kitchen storage when not in use. Acorns room 2. The glue has been placed up high on the arts and crafts wall unit in the playroom. The staff were reminded of the dangers of glue being accessible to the children and reminded to keep it up high out of the reach of the children. 3. The box has been removed and relocated to the kitchen. The provision of a new unit with lockable doors is currently under review. 4. The fans have been removed from the room. An air conditioning unit has been approved by the board of management, it will eliminate the need for use of fans during the warm weather. 5. The sand/water tray has been replaced. There will be regular checks of the equipment and materials carried out to ensure they are safe and in working order. A checklist is provided for the staff members to inform of any issues with toys and equipment. 6. A hook has been installed up high to store the key to the door when the office is not in use. Signage has been placed on the door as a reminder to staff and management to lock the door. Infection Control: 7. Staff have been reminded of the importance of handwashing before eating. Reminder handwashing signage has been placed in the room. 8.The staff have been reminded of the importance of washing the children’s hands and their own hands after nappy changing. Signage has been displayed in the nappy changing area as a reminder to staff. The staff were asked to read the illness prevention and infection control policy. 9. Pedal bins were purchased and put into the staff bathroom and in the outdoor area. Regular checks of the equipment and materials will be carried out to ensure they are suitable, safe an in working order. 10. The bag has been removed while awaiting a new secure unit with lockable doors 25 May 2026 ##### [Listowel Family Resource Centre](/creche/listowel-family-resource-centre-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Emergency medication for a child attending was stored in the medicine box in the pre-school room. The labelled medication had an expiry date of 02/2026, posing a risk of illness as the medication may be ineffective in treating the child’s medical needs, in the event it was required. 2. There was an unlabelled inhaler stored in the medicine box in the pre-school room, posing a risk of injury to a child should the incorrect mediation be administered to a child. 3. There was an unlabelled inhaler with an expiry date of 04/2025 stored in the medicine box in the creche, posing a risk of illness to a child should the medication be required. 4. The equipped first aid box in the pre-school room was stored on the low-level worktop unit, posing a risk of injury to children. 5. The viny covering on the soft couch in the junior pre-school room was torn; the foam underlay was exposed posing a risk of injury to children. 6. There was a piece of the timber that was detached from the wall, it enclosed the low-level pipes under one sink in the sanitary accommodation in the pre-school room posing a risk of injury to children. 7. The following items were stored within the reach of the children in the sleep room in the creche posing a risk of injury to children: -open plastic bags with children’s spare clothes -children’s coats handing on low level hooks -child sized chairs -a push bike - the panel of one drawer on a storage unit was falling off 8. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for fifteen adults that required it attached to the service. However, two vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 9. In the playrooms, in the nappy changing room serving the creche and in the 2 identified adult sanitary areas, a number of the pedal opening devices on the bins were broken. When used, the lids were manually opened posing a risk of cross infection. 10. The nappy changing practices observed on inspection were inconsistent and at variance with the nappy changing procedure displayed on the wall, posing a risk of cross contamination as follows; • The staff member returned children with the children through the door to the playroom while wearing the used gloves and plastic apron. • The plastic aprons were not changed for each individual nappy change. • The nappy changing mat and its surrounds was not sanitized down after each nappy change. 11. The fabric on the large couch in the rest area located in the pre-school room was unclean posing a risk of the cross of infection. 12. The 2 mechanical ceiling vents in the children’s sanitary accommodation in the junior pre-school room were unclean increasing the risk of poor ventilation and posing a risk of the spread of infection. 13. In the junior pre-school, the vinyl covering on the outer arms of the 2 single chairs were torn. This impacted on the ability to clean the surfaces adequately to reduce the risk of cross infection. 14. There was no supply of warm water at the sink in the adult sanitary accommodation located in the building with the laundry room, posing a risk of the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1.& 2. All the medicines have been re-checked, and any out-of-date medicines have been removed. All the educators have been advised to check the medicine expiry dates as part of checking the first aid boxes routine. The parents have also been asked to put a reminder in their devices as to when medicines are due to expire so as they can replace them. 3. The inhaler was removed; it was the property of a staff member. 4. The couch was removed. The service has applied for funding to purchase a new couch. All educators have been advised to discard anything that is torn or broken and bring it to the attention of management if resources are required to be replaced. 5. The educators were advised to replace the first box on the medicine cabinet shelf after use. 6. The piece of timber has been re-attached. All the educators and the cleaners have been advised to bring any such items to the attention of the maintenance as needed. 7. The room has been cleared. The educators have been advised to keep it clear. A storage area for the coats and chairs will be provided and any donations received in plastic bags will be stored kept in the office. 8. The Garda vetting in respect of the two staff members that required it was received. The service will organise a calendar as a reminder when vetting is out of date. Infection Control: 9. All the bins have been replaced. Management will check the resources weekly. All educators were advised to inform management when resources are broken or damaged. 10. The nappy changing procedures have been updated and placed beside each of the nappy changing areas. The educators were advised on the nappy changing procedure, and this will be included for staff meetings and informally as a reminder to all educators. 11. The couch was cleaned with a new cleaning device purchased. Washable covers are on order for the couch. 12. All the vents in the service were cleaned, the cleaners were advised to clean them frequently and the vents will be added to the cleaning list. 13. The vinyl covered armchairs have been discarded. The educators were advised to remove any torn or broken items and to inform management of same. 14. A new adult toilet has been allocated in the main reception area in the service. The adult sanitary accommodation that had no warm water was closed off until warm water is provided 12 May 2026 ##### [Beginners World](/creche/beginners-world-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was emergency medication on the premise for a child attending that had an expiry date of 02/2026, posing a risk of illness to the child should the medication be required for use in the event of an emergency. Following the inspection the registered provider evidenced that in-date medication was available in the service and will be kept in the service. Infection Control: 2. The pedal operating device on two pedal bins in the playroom observed in use by the adults and the children were broken, posing a risk of cross infection to children when the lids were used to open the bins for each use. Administration of Medication: 3. There was no care plan on file in respect of emergency medication administration for a child attending the service posing a risk of illness to the child in the event the emergency medication was required. Following the inspection the registered provider evidenced a care plan that was in put in place in the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The in-date medication is now kept on the premise in a labelled box near the care plan. The parents understand that the medication must be available on the premise at all times. A note of the expiry dated of the medication will be maintained and the service will ensure that replacement medications will be provided well in advance of the expiry due dates. Infection Control: 2. On the day of the inspection two new pedal bins were purchased and put in place in the playroom. The manager will check the bins each day to ensure they are functioning as required. Administration of Medication: 3. The required care plan is now displayed on the wall next to the medication box for the child. The service will ensure that any child that requires medications will have a care plan displayed that is easily accessible to the staff 5 May 2026 ##### [Maureen’s Pre-school](/creche/maureen-s-pre-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A section of the artificial grass in the outdoor play area was not secured to the ground posing risk of injury to the children. 2. The 2 fire exit doors in the hall that were fitted with level handles for opening were not alarmed. The doors opened out onto the carpark and to the roadway posing a risk of injury to children. In conversation with the registered provider, she informed that both fire doors had been replaced with new doors that were not fitted with alarms as were attached to the previous doors. The inspector observed the hall was not used for the children during the inspection. Fire Safety: 3. The records on file demonstrated that fire drills were not documented as conducted on a monthly basis. The last record showed the last fire drill was carried out on 8/12/2025. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The grass is now in place on the ground; it has been glued down to prevent tripping. 2. The alarms are in place on the fire exit doors. The alarms will be checked each time they go into the hall. Fire Safety: 3. A reminder to document the fire drills when complete 30 April 2026 ##### [Oakview Village Childcare](/creche/oakview-village-childcare-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a broken, disused play unit in the outdoor area serving the nursery posing a risk of injury to children. 2. The bases of some of the tree stumps in the outdoor areas had areas wearing away with loose timber splinters posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There were timber splinters exposed where a timber slat was removed on a planting area in the outdoor area posing a risk of injury to children. 4. In the Nursery, there were loose strings of fabric exposed, as observed when children pulled the cushion off the chair, posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 5. The staff bathroom on the ground floor was not equipped with a foot operated pedal bin. This posed a risk of cross infection. 6. The foot operated pedal bin the staff bathroom on the first floor was broken. This posed a risk of cross infection. 7. Two of the white cots, one in each of the sleep rooms in the Nursery had scuffed areas impacting on the ability to clean the surfaces adequately posing a risk of the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The broken and disused play unit was immediately removed and disposed. The outdoor area was inspected to ensure that no additional hazards were present. The staff were reminded that a formal outdoor equipment inspection procedure is in place. Any damaged or unsafe equipment identified should be removed immediately from use and reported to management for repair or disposal. A monthly reminder document was issued to the staff. 2. The bases of the tree stumps were sanded down and covered with a protective layer of artificial grass to reduce the risk of splintering and enhance the safety of the outdoor play environment. The monthly maintenance checks have been updated to include a thorough inspection of all tree stumps to identify any signs of damage, wear, or potential splintering hazards. 3. All the timber slats were removed and replaced with new timber slats. Prior to installation, each timber slat was thoroughly sanded down to ensure there were no splinters or rough surfaces present. There will be monthly maintenance checks of the area carried out. The monthly maintenance checklist has been updated to ensure the area is routinely monitored. 4. The loose strings of fabric were immediately removed and the hazard was eliminated. The chair and surrounding furnishings were inspected to ensure there were no additional exposed materials or risks present. The staff were informed of the issue and the action taken was recorded in the service health and safety records. All the soft furnishings, cushions and fabrics within the service will be included in a daily visual safety check and regular room inspections. Any damaged, frayed or worn materials will be removed from use immediately and repaired or disposed of. The staff will remain vigilant in identifying potential hazards when setting up the room and throughout the day to ensure the children’s environment remain safe and compliant. Infection Control: 5. A suitable foot-operated pedal bin was immediately put in place in the bathroom. 6. The broken foot operated bin was replaced with a functioning pedal bin. The staff have been reminded not to unclip the lids from the foot operated bins as this has been identified as a contributing factor to the bins becoming damaged and non-functional. A reminder has been included in the staff monthly newsletter outlining the importance of using the equipment appropriately to maintain infection control standards and to prevent unnecessary breakages. 7. Both cots have been replaced as it was not possible to repair the scuffed areas. The staff have been asked to check the cots regularly. The service is currently working to source plastic protective covering for the cots 27 April 2026 ##### [Happy Feet Pre-school](/creche/happy-feet-pre-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The 2 hot drinks belonging to the staff were accessible on a low-level table in the playroom posing a risk of scalding to children. It was acknowledged when the inspector alerted the staff, the drinks were immediately removed to a high-level shelf out of the reach of the children. 2. The vinyl covering on a single chair in the rest area provided was torn, the soft foam lining was exposed posing a risk of injury to children. 3. The swing seat on the timber framed unit in the outdoor area was rusted posing a risk of injury to children. 4. A number of the first aid box supplies had expired and there were no burns dressings in stock posing a risk to children of not receiving adequate treatment in the event of an accident/injury. Infection Control: 5. The children’s drinks bottles were not individually labelled posing a risk of cross infection. Fire Safety: 6. The records on file in respect of the smoke alarm demonstrated that it was not serviced on an annual basis. The record on file was a final certification for commissioning of the smoke alarm dated 10.12.’21. It was acknowledged the registered provider provided written confirmation the fire alarm was serviced on 28.4.’26 and advised the record of servicing will be furnished to the inspectorate to demonstrate this. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. All hot drinks will be kept on a high-level shelf. This ensures they are always out of reach of the children and eliminates any risk. A high -level shelf was installed specifically for adult beverages. 2. Upon identification of the damaged furniture in the pre-school room, it was removed from the premises. Only items in good repair remain on site following a 100% inspection of the furniture. A monthly furniture audit will be conducted to check wear and tear. 3. The rusted swing seat was immediately removed. The swing seat will be replaced with a high durability plastic seat with a weather resistant rope suspension providing more comfortable seating for the children. 4. All the expired first aid supplies were immediately removed and disposed of. There was a comprehensive restock of the first aid box supplies that included the burns dressing. There will be a monthly inspection schedule conducted on the first aid box, commencing on June 1st, 2026. Infection Control: 5. Compliance is checked each day at the dop off time to ensure the children’s bottles are clearly labelled before placing them on the hydration station. Fire Safety: 6. The fire alarm was serviced on 28.4.’26 23 April 2026 ##### [Cahereen Heights Childcare](/creche/cahereen-heights-childcare-castleisland.md), Castleisland · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. During dinner time in Creche Room 1, it was observed that children were eating large pieces of sausages. This posed a risk of choking to the children. 2. The horizontal window in the Junior Preschool sanitary area was not secured to prevent a child exiting into the outdoor area from it. The window could be accessed via steps up to the nappy changing table, from which the window was reachable. The window was able to fully open out. This posed a risk of injury to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The service stated the cook was informed and reminded that sausages and similar foods must be cut into small, age-appropriate pieces before being served to children to reduce the risk of choking. Staff members were also reminded to visually check all food before serving and during mealtimes to ensure it is safe and suitable for children to chew and swallow safely. Meal time procedures and checklist have been reviewed with all staff members and the discussion of choking hazard awareness was discussed during a team meeting. Staff will continue to supervise children closely during meals and conduct safety checks on food before serving. 2. The service repaired the safety latch on the window and stated Staff have been reminded to ensure furniture and equipment are positioned safely and do not provide children with access to windows or other hazards. Staff will also continue to immediately report any maintenance and safety concerns to management 16 April 2026 ##### [Maggies Montessori](/creche/maggies-montessori-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The temperature of the warm water at the 2 wash hand basins was recorded above the required range of 43 degrees Celsius. The temperatures recorded ranged between 43.1 and 44.6 degrees Celsius, posing a risk of scalding to children. 2. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for the 3 adults attached to the service. However, 2 vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The adjustable thermostatic mixer in the hot press has been adjusted and the water temperature is now less than 43 degrees Celsius. A water thermometer was purchased for regular checks. 2. The updated Garda vetting has been applied for 9 April 2026 ##### [Dromtacker Creche Limited](/creche/dromtacker-creche-limited-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The glazing on the low-level window and door panels in the Wobbler, pre-school and ECCE rooms did not have visibility strips in place posing a risk of children making contact with the glass, posing a risk of injury. 2. The toilet seat in one bathroom in the ECCE room was not secure posing a risk of injury to children. 3. The vinyl covering on a single chair in the quiet area in the Wobbler room was torn with the soft lining exposed, posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 4. Not all children in the Wobbler room washed their hands after returning from playing outdoors posing a risk of cross infection. 5. The inspection observed a staff member cleaned the noses of 3 children wearing the same gloves and disposed the tissues after each child’s use in the swing top bin in the room posing a risk of cross infection. 6. There were swing top bins used for the disposal of used paper hand towels for example in the ECCE and pre-school rooms posing a risk of cross infection. 7. The large colourful rug on the floor and the removable covers on the bean bags in the rest area in the pre- school room was unclean posing a risk of cross infection. 8. The large colourful floor rug and the fabric covered cushions in the Wobbler room were unclean posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The visibility strips are in place. 2. The toilet seat has been replaced. The toilet seat check has been added to the weekly health and safety checklist. 3. The armchair has been removed, and a replacement has been ordered. The condition of the children’s seating will be monitored more closely. Infection Control: 4. The management re-issued the infection control policy to the staff and spoke to them about handwashing and the importance of children’s handwashing. Handwashing posters are in place as a reminder. 5. This point was covered when the infection control policy was re-issued to all the staff members and when the staff were spoken to regarding handwashing. The staff will ensure that they are washing their hands after cleaning each child’s nose. The bin was replaced with a pedal bin. The service will ensure that pedal bins are in all areas in the service. 6. The pedal bins are in place in each of the rooms. 7. The rugs were deep cleaned, and the service is researching the purchase of wipeable rugs. The bean bag covers have been washed and returned to the room. The bean bags have been added to the laundry list, they will be cleaned more frequently. 8. The rug and large cushions have been cleaned and returned to the room 7 April 2026 ##### [Children's House Montessori, Milltown](/creche/children-s-house-montessori-milltown-milltown.md), Milltown · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The sand pit box in the outdoor area was observed to have one broken sharp edge piece. This posed a safety risk to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The sandpit was fixed promptly by the service. The staff will ensure to conduct regular risk assessments of outdoor equipment going forward 30 March 2026 ##### [Danú Childcare](/creche/danu-childcare-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Teething medication was found to be out of date in the fridge in Ladybird Toddlers. Medication in the Crazy Frog room was also found to be out of date. This posed a safety risk to the children. This was at variance to the services administration of medication policy which outlined at out-of-date medication would be disposed of. 2. A moon light in the Crazy Frog room was observed to hanging low and posed a safety risk to the children. The staff in the room corrected the hanging chord and placed it out of reach of the children. 3. A storage press in the Crazy Frog room was not secured effectively which children had access to staff personal belongings. This posed a safety risk to the children. Infection Control: 4. While observing nappy changing in Butterfly Babies, it was observed that children’s hands were not washed after nappy changing. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children. This practice was at variance to the services infection control policy. 5. In the toddler sanitary area, it was observed that potties were stored in a bag on the floor and were easily accessible to the children. This posed a risk of cross infection. This practice was at variance to the services infection control policy. 6. In Butterfly Babies, a staff member was observed cleaning a child’s nose and did not wash their hands. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children and staff. This practice was at variance to the services infection control policy. 7. Mops and brushes were observed to be stored in the nappy changing and toddler sanitary area. This posed a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: Corrective action 1. The teething medication was removed from the fridge on the day of inspection and disposed of. The medication in Crazy Frogs room was sent home with the child’s parents, and a new medication was prescribed for the child. 2. The moon light has been removed from the care room. 3. A lock has been placed on the storage press to prevent children from accessing the area. Preventive action 1. The room leads were reminded to set dates in their calendars to ask parents for new medication for one month before the expiry date. 2. A walkaround took place around the building to ensure that no other cords were hanging down. No hazards were found on 31 March 2026. 3. Staff have been reminded to place all belongings in assigned lockers. Infection Control: Corrective action 4. A visual poster for handwashing has been placed at the sink in the changing area. All staff were asked to read the nappy changing policy to remind them of the correct procedure and the importance of washing the children’s hands after nappy changing. 5. The potties have been removed from the area and are now stored in an area that is not accessible to the children. There are currently no children attending the service who requires a potty for training. 6. The staff were reminded to read the infection control policy and the importance of handwashing. New hand- washing signs were also erected in handwashing areas as a reminder of the importance of hand hygiene. 7. A holder has been erected to ensure all mops and brushes are mounted to the wall, so children do not have access to them. Preventive action 4. The nappy changing and infection control policy will be revised regulatory with all staff. 5. All potties will be stored out of reach to the children when not in use. 6. All staff will be reminded of the importance of hand washing and the dangers of cross infection. 7. Extra wall holders have been ordered in case any break 18 March 2026 ##### [Naíonra an Leitriúigh](/creche/naionra-an-leitriuigh-tra-li.md), Trá Lí · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were phone charger cables, a radio cable and a laminator cable accessible to the children in the playroom posing a risk of injury. 2. There were 2 fire doors with low level turn locks installed in the playroom since the last inspection. The doors opened into an unsecured hall, a working kitchen where meals are cooked, an adult toilet, to an openable fire door that opened out to the roadway and to the entrance /reception area where the doors to the building were unsecured and opened onto the roadway posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There were open plastic bags accessible to children on low-level shelving in the sanitary accommodation posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 4. Some of the children’s spare clothes were not stored in sealed containers/bags on the open shelving in the sanitary accommodation posing a risk of cross infection. 5. There were floor brushes, mops and buckets and staff coats stored in the sanitary accommodation posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The phone charger cables, the radio cable and the laminator cable have been removed and are no longer accessible to the children. The cables have been secured in a place that children will be unable to access them going forward. 2. The two fire doors have now been secured with an alarm on top of each of the doors to prevent the children leaving the room un-noticed while the session is in progress. 3. The plastic bags have been removed from the room, the staff have been notified to avoid the use of plastic bags in the room going forward for the safety of the children. Plastic bags are no longer allowed in the classroom. There is a child lock applied to the cupboards to avoid children accessing the cupboards in the service. Infection Control: 4. All the children attending the service have spare clothing stored in individually labelled plastic containers to avoid any cross contamination in the service. Going forward, the staff will ensure that this practice is continued. 5. The labelled mops and the brushes have been removed and placed in a storeroom located in the hallway in the building to avoid any cross contamination 11 March 2026 ##### [Bluebells Preschool & Afterschool](/creche/bluebells-preschool-afterschool-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a dangling cable attached to a copier in the playroom that was accessible to the children posing a risk of injury. 2. There was a timber splinter exposed on the one side of the large sand pit in the outdoor area posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 3. The 2 low level vinyl single chairs in the ‘cosy corner’ were showing signs of wear and tear impacting the ability to adequately clean the surfaces posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The shelf for the bags has been moved closer to the fridge which closes the gap between the shelf and the fridge and covers any exposed wire. A sign has been placed on the photocopier as a reminder to ensure that cables are not left exposed. 2. The broken timber boards have been replaced on the outdoor sand box. Infection Control: 3. The 2 armchairs have been removed from the room 2 March 2026 ##### [Muire Gan Smal Childcare](/creche/muire-gan-smal-childcare-castleisland.md), Castleisland · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. In the Blossoms room, it was observed that an open window did not have a mechanism in place to secure the window to prevent a child from exiting or falling. A child was observed climbing on a couch and lying on the windowsill near the opened window. This posed a safety risk to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: The registered provider stated in their response: Corrective action The windows have been secured with a key. The key is hung in a secure place out of reach to children. The service has contacted a window company to get safety hinges for the windows. Preventive action Ensure that the windows are locked until the safety hinges are fitted 26 February 2026 ##### [Naíonra Bellview Woods](/creche/naionra-bellview-woods-cill-airne.md), Cill Airne · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. There was no thermostatically warm water at the two wash hand basins in the children’s toilets and at the wash hand basin in the playroom to facilitate effective hand washing to reduce the spread of infection. The temperature of the water was re-checked and the issue remained unchanged. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. There is a booster button to boost the water in the school Principal’s office. The staff have been given permission to boost the water in the morning so as this will not happen again. As part of the opening of the service, the staff for the office and press the booster button along with running the taps to make sure that hot water is available during the day 17 February 2026 ##### [Dingle Childcare Services Limited T/A Mol an Óige](/creche/dingle-childcare-services-limited-t-a-mol-an-oige-dingle.md), Dingle · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The cot sheets observed in place and some of the sheets on the floor beds were too large for the mattresses posing a risk of suffocation. It was acknowledged once it was brought to the attention of the staff, all the sheets were replaced with correct fitting sheets prior to any child went down to sleep. 2. The children’s wipes were stored on low level open shelving in the nappy changing room posing a risk of injury to children should they gain unsupervised access to the room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The cot sheets have been discarded and new ones purchased. Two separate baskets were purchased to store the sheet sizes apart. 2. All the children’s wipes for each room have been placed in boxes and are stored up high and out of the reach of the children 6 February 2026 ##### [Tír na nÓg Preschool](/creche/tir-na-nog-preschool-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. Children’s lunches were observed to be stored on a shelf in the care room. Perishable items from the lunches were not stored in a refrigerator. This posed a risk to the children due to food spoilage. This was at variance to the services infection control policy which stated that perishable foods items would be stored in a refrigerator. 2. During a nappy change, it was observed that the staff did not wear a disposable apron while carrying out the nappy change. This posed a risk of cross infection. This practice was at variance with the services infection control policy which outlined that aprons would be worn during nappy changing. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: The registered provider stated in their response: Corrective Action 1. The children’s lunches will be stored in a fridge that is downstairs in the school kitchen. 2. In a staff meeting, the staff were reminded of the policy in place and to ensure they are wearing an apron at all times when changing nappies. Preventive Action 1. It was discussed in a staff meeting to ensure this will not happen again. 2. The person in charge will make sure that the policy is being followed 22 January 2026 ##### [M&M Childcare Ltd T/A Meadows Childcare & After Schools](/creche/m-m-childcare-ltd-t-a-meadows-childcare-after-schools-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. The corners of two vinyl couches, one in pre-school 1 and one in the montessori room were showing signs of wear and tear impairing the ability to clean them adequately to reduce the risk of cross infection. Administration of Medication: 2. There was no written parental consent for a child in receipt of medication in the baby room. Fire Safety: 3. There were 5 high feeding chairs stored on the corridor outside the baby and pre-school 1 rooms, posing a risk to children of not exiting the care rooms in the event of a fire and injury to children due to obstruction. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. New soft seating has been ordered to replace each couch. Where possible, new seating will be ordered before it cracks. Administration of Medication: 2. The staff have been reminded to check the medication forms are signed and completed properly. Each room Leader is now responsible for getting the consent form signed, a medicine book is now in place for each room. Fire Safety: 3. The highchairs have been removed from the corridor and are stored in the art room. The staff have been reminded not to leave the highchairs in the corridor 12 January 2026 ##### [Pobal Leanaí t/a Club Spraoí](/creche/pobal-leanai-t-a-club-spraoi-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were 5 feeding chairs stored in the wobbler room. The chairs were accessible to the children where they could pull them over posing a risk of injury. 2. Within the sanitary accommodation in the pre-school room there were children’s labelled barrier creams and wipes accessible in an unsecured cupboard under the built in changing unit posing a risk of injury to children. 3. In the sanitary accommodation serving the pre-school room, one toilet did not have a toilet seat and the seat on the second toilet was not secured posing a risk of injury to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. All the feeding chairs have been made inaccessible to the children. Plastic room dividers have been places securely around the highchairs to prevent children accessing, pulling or tipping them over. The staff were immediately informed of the hazard and to ensure the highchairs remain secured and supervised at all times. A review of equipment storage and the room layout has been completed to ensure all large or potentially hazardous equipment is stored safely and out of children’s reach when not in use. The risk assessments will be updated to ensure safe storage for the highchairs. Ongoing monitoring will be carried out by room Leaders and management to ensure compliance, and this will be reinforced during staff meetings and safety checks. 2. All the children’s barrier creams and wipes were immediately secured and are no longer accessible to children. A robust magnetic safety lock has been fitted to the cupboard under the built-in changing unit in the pre-school sanitary accommodation to prevent unauthorised access, eliminate the risk of injury and ensure durability. A review of all changing units and sanitary accommodation storage has been completed to ensure appropriate locking systems are in place. This will be monitored through regular room safety checks and any future issues with equipment or fittings will be addressed promptly. 3. The toilet seats in both toilet cubicles have been replaced 11 December 2025 ##### [Fossa Community Pre-school](/creche/fossa-community-pre-school-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Through discussion with staff, the inspector was informed that children had popcorn to eat on occasions in the service, posing a risk of choking. 2. During children’s play time in the hall, t here was a double door unsecured that led to the kitchenette, meeting room, sanitary accommodation and the open main entrance door to the building posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There was a double fire door with low-level push bar handles that opened out to the community playground with an unsecured gate exiting to the national school and the road way and in the care room the alarm on the fire door was not in working order, the door had a low- level push bar handle that opened out to an unsecured yard, car park and roadway posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 4. Handwashing practice was inadequate to control the spread of infection. The inspector observed that staff dried their hands with a cloth towel after wiping a child’s nose. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Going forward popcorn will not be allowed at pre-school to avoid any risk of choking. This was communicated to the parents in the January 2026 newsletter and also in the parent’s manual. 2. The double doors leading out to the front of the building, kitchen area and staff toilets will have a wooden partition fitting securely between the door frames. The outside door is kept closed for security of the children. There will be 5 adults with 18 children, one staff member will be alert to the movement around the area of the doors. 3. The alarms are fitted to the 2 fire doors. Ensure the adult child ratio of 5 adults to 18 children while the children are using the hall. Infection Control: 4. The towel has been removed 26 November 2025 ##### [Killorglin Family Resource Centre / Laune Childcare Service](/creche/killorglin-family-resource-centre-laune-childcare-service-killorglin.md), Killorglin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A shelving unit located in the pre-school was not secured to the wall, posing a risk of injury to children. 2. Within the outdoor play area, there was a section of a timber planter and a section of a timber seat with loose timber splinters posing a risk of injury to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The shelving unit has been securely attached to the wall. Any furniture that is moved or relocated must be risk assessed. 2. Repairs have been made to the timber planter and seat to make them safe. A plan to examine how best to maintain and prevent weathering of the timber structures will be investigated 17 November 2025 ##### [Naíonra Naomh Séamas](/creche/naionra-naomh-seamas-killorglin.md), Killorglin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a loose cable attached to the fridge accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Cable clips were bought and the wire secured to the wall. All wires secured has been added to the weekly maintenance checklist 29 October 2025 ##### [St. Brigid's Pre-school Crèche](/creche/st-brigid-s-pre-school-creche-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for 11 adults attached to the service. However, 3 vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Evidence was supplied that demonstrated the said Garda vetting was applied for in respect of the 3 adults. 2. In the creche sleep room there was a dangling cable attached to a monitor accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to them 3. In the creche, there was a dangling telephone cable accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to them. 4. In pre-school room 1 there were medicines stored in the first aid wall mounted box where all medicines should be stored separately to the first aid box. 5. In the pre-school room 1, a labelled emergency medication had expired on 08/2025 posing a risk of illness to children in the event the emergency medication was required. The inspector was informed the child who the medication was prescribed for is currently not attending the service. 6. There was a staff handbag stored near the low- level fridge in the pre-school room 1, it was accessible to the children posing a risk of injury should a child access it. 7. There was a rusted hook accessible to children on the security grid used on the exit doors in creche posing a risk of injury to children. 8. The cover of a large plastic box storing timber blocks stored on the floor in the sanitary accommodation in the pre-school room 2 was cracked posing a risk of injury to children. 9. There were briars protruding through the fencing in the outdoor area located at the rear of the building posing a risk of injury to children. 10. There was a gap between 2 stainless steel fences that was accessible to the children in the outdoor area at the rear of the building posing a risk of injury to children 11. There was a low-level rusted container accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to children in the outdoor area at the rear of the building. 12. There were some areas of the timber handrail in the outdoor area to the rear of pre-school room 1 that had splinters posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 13. There were no waterproof covers provided for the 2 safety mattresses for the shared standard cots in the baby room posing a risk of cross infection. 14. The pedal operating opening device on the lidded, sealed and lined nappy bin in the creche sanitary accommodated was not opening the lid. The inspector observed staff and children opening the lid of the bin to dispose of used paper hand towels and nappies posing a risk of cross infection. 15. Not all the children’s drinks bottles in the creche were labelled posing a risk of cross infection. 16. Within the sanitary/nappy changing room in the pre-school 2, there were 6 stackable beds, linen, pillows, some play materials not stored in boxes, a mop and a floor brush posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting renewals for the 3 staff was actively being processed at the time of the inspection. The 3 Garda vetting disclosures have been received. The monitoring system has been updated to ensure timely tracking and renewal of all future vetting. 2. The cable has since been securely fixed and is now safely mounted. The service will continue to review and monitor the area on a regular basis to ensure no additional hazards are present. The room leaders are fully aware of their responsibilities for conducting regular health and safety checks and reporting the procedures. 3. The cable has been securely fixed and is now safely secured. The service will continue to review and monitor the area on a regular basis to ensure no additional hazards are present. The room leaders are fully aware of their responsibilities for conducting regular health and safety checks and reporting the procedures. 4. These items were not intended to be stored in the first aid box and were immediately removed after the inspection. The room leaders and staff have been reminded of the correct procedures regarding medication storage. To prevent recurrence, continuous regular monitoring of all the firs aid boxes will take place. Each room will have a designated and suitable lockable are for storing medication. 5. The out-of-date medication was removed immediately and returned to the parents when the child returned to the service at the beginning of December. In date medication is in place and stored in a locked medicine cabinet in the room for the child in question. To prevent recurrence, monthly checks of all medications will be implemented. 6. The handbag was removed immediately. The staff were informed that all personal belongings are to be stored in the designated staff lockers. This will be continuously reviewed to ensure no personal belongings are accessible to children. 7. The hook has been removed and replaced with a new one at a higher level out of the reach of the children. The area will be reviewed and continued to be monitored to prevent recurrence. 8. The lid has since been disposed of and the box has been removed from the sanitary accommodation. 9. The briars have since been cut back. The roots of the briars will be dug up to prevent regrowth. Until this work is complete, the children will not use this outdoor area. Once the works are complete, the garden will re-open for use. 10. The stainless-steel fence has seine been secured and the gap is no longer accessible. The area will continue to be monitored to ensure no additional hazards are present. The area is not currently used by the children until other works required to be carried out are complete. 11. The container was disposed of. Staff have been spoken to report or dispose of objects posing a risk to children. 12. The gap in the timber handrail has been filled in and the rail has been sanded. The staff will continue to monitor the area regularly to ensure no additional hazards are present. Infection Control: 13. Waterproof sheets are available and are placed on the cots when the children due their naps. 14. The bin has been replaced. 15. All the children’s bottles are now labelled. The staff are aware to continuously check the bottles to ensure they are labelled. A notice has been placed above the bottle storage area in all the care rooms to remind the staff about labelling and cleaning the bottles each day. 16. All the items were immediately removed from the sanitary/ nappy changing area 8 October 2025 ##### [Brookview Childcare](/creche/brookview-childcare-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for fifteen adults attached to the service. However, one vetting disclosure were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 2. The nappy changing practices observed on inspection posed a risk of cross contamination as follows: - • The adult returned children to the care room whilst wearing the used plastic apron. • The plastic aprons were not changed for each individual nappy change. • The children’s hands were not washed after nappy changing at the low-level sink provided near the nappy changing unit. 3. The floor mats, 1 in each of the care room were unclean posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting has been renewed and the updated vetting disclosure is now on file. The Garda vetting expiry dates are added to the staff compliance tracker. The manager will review the vetting status quarterly to ensure that renewals are completed before expiry. Infection Control: 2. All staff have been retrained on the service nappy changing policy and the correct hygiene procedures. There will be ongoing supervision and spot checks introduced to ensure compliance. There will be refresher training provided annually or as needed. 3. The temporary mat was removed. A new clean mat was provided. Regular room checks have been added to the daily cleaning schedule. Damaged or temporary equipment to be inspected and replaced promptly as needed 1 October 2025 ##### [Kilflynn Preschool And Afterschool Club](/creche/kilflynn-preschool-and-afterschool-club-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were nails exposed on a timber post in the outdoor play area posing a risk of injury to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The nails have been removed from the timber post. The designated person in charge will have the responsibility for checking and risk assessing the outdoor area daily and take action as required 29 September 2025 ##### [Naionra Aine](/creche/naionra-aine-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for the 12 adults attached to the service. However, 1 vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting. The inspector acknowledged the registered provider provided written evidence in support of the application made to renew the said garda vetting dated 26.9.’25 Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: The staff member was removed from direct access. The renewed Garda vetting has been received and filed. The manager will create a garda vetting renewal register that will track all staff vetting dates so as the mandatory renewal dates will be clearly visible. The re-vetting applications will be initiated 3 months prior to the renewal date by the manager 23 September 2025 ##### [Ionad Tacaiochta Teaghlaigh Bhaile an Fheirtéaraigh](/creche/ionad-tacaiochta-teaghlaigh-bhaile-an-fheirtearaigh-tra-li.md), Trá Lí · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were no visibility strips on place on the low-level window glass panels in the Naionra, posing a risk of a child sustaining a collision injury. Infection Control: 2. There were no sheets used on the stackable beds shared that were not for individual use posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. A strip has been applied to the window in question to assure the safety of the children, to avoid a safety collision. The strip will be replaced straight away should it come off. Infection Control: 2. The service has provided individual sheets and blankets for each child to avoid any cross infection. Going forward the service will ensure there are an adequate number of sheets and blankets for the children attending the service 17 September 2025 ##### [Naíonra Bhréanainn](/creche/naionra-bhreanainn-an-daingean.md), An Daingean · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The temperature of the warm water exceeded 50 degrees Celsius at the sinks in the bathrooms within the playroom, in the disabled/adult toilet, in the boy’s toilet and in the girl’s toilet. Once the person in charge was informed of this finding, the temperature device for heating the water was reduced immediately. The temperature of the warm water at the 3 wash hand basins in question was re-checked at 11:40 and found at below 43 degrees Celsius at each of the 3 sinks. An IAN was issued onsite on 20.8.’25 in response to this non-compliance. 2. There was 1 set of double doors in the hall that were not adequately secured to prevent children gaining unsupervised access out to public sanitary accommodation, to meeting rooms where fire exit doors with low level opening handles exited to the roadway, posing a risk to children. 3. There was a set double fire doors with a low-level push bar used to open the doors. They opened directly out to the carpark and roadway posing a risk of injury to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The plumber has fitted water temperature regulators on each of the 3 sinks in the bathrooms. The water is now regulated to the required temperature of below 43 degrees Celsius. The regulators will be on the sinks going forward to ensure the warm water is at the correct temperature every day. 2. Alarms have been purchased and are now in place on the doors to prevent children gaining unsupervised access out. 3. Alarms have been fitted to the doors to prevent the children gaining unsupervised access out and to alert the staff 9 September 2025 ##### [An Naionra/Preschool](/creche/an-naionra-preschool-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were low level loose cables accessible to the children in the Paw Patrol room posing a risk of injury to children. 2. There were plastic bags accessible on a low-level shelving unit in the children’s toilet in the Minion room posing a risk of injury to children. Outdoor Play area 3. The following were accessible to the children as observed during the inspection, posing a risk of injury to the children: - • chairs stacked on top of each other • loose sheets of timber • unsecured bait boxes • briars protruding from the hedging • an unsecured water hose reel • a broken plastic play kitchen • compost bins • a brown bin with an unclean red bag inside with food waste. Infection Control: 4. Staff were observed not to wash their hands after wiping children’s noses and disposing of the used tissues in the bin posing a risk of cross infection. Administration of Medication: 5. There was no parental written consent on file as is required to give prescription emergency medication in the event it was needed for 2 children attending the service, posing a risk of illness to children in the event the emergency medication was required. 6. There was no care plan on file in respect of emergency medication administration for 1 child attending the service posing a risk of illness to the child in the event the emergency medication was required. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. These cables are enow secured with cable ties. Multiple packets of cable ties are available in the setting to ensure the cables are secured at all times. 2. The shelving unit with the plastic bags has been replaced with a large plastic box. The staff will always ensure that plastic bags are secured. 3. The stacked chairs and loose sheets of timber have been removed. • The bait box company secured the bait boxes. • The briars have been trimmed. • The unsecured water hose is covered by a mud kitchen and no longer accessible to the children. • The broken plastic kitchen has been removed. • The refuse company was contacted to remove the compost bins and the red bag has been disposed of safely. Infection Control: 4. The issue of staff not washing their hands after wiping children’s noses has been highlighted in a staff meeting and all staff are aware of appropriate hand washing. Administration of Medication: 5. The parental consent was obtained. 6. The care plan was obtained 27 August 2025 ##### [Camp Community Childcare CLG](/creche/camp-community-childcare-clg-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were 2 radiator covers not secured to the wall, 1 in the Senior pre-school room and 1 in the lobby of the senior pre-school sanitary accommodation posing a risk of injury to the children. 2. The inspector was informed by staff when asked that a method used to heat bottles of milk for children was in the microwave located in the kitchenette in the creche, posing a risk of scalding to children caused by potential hot spots. 3. There were 2 sets of fire exits doors in the hall that had low-level push bar handles used to open the doors. The doors opened out to the carpark and roadway posing a risk of injury to children. 4. There were unsecured window guards in place on the 5 low- level windows in the hall posing a risk of injury to the children. 5. The child safety gate in place on the kitchen door in the creche was not secured posing a risk of injury to children. 6. On the day of the inspection, the inspector observed the children playing in the hall. The stage with steps leading to it, an open area under the stage used for storage, access to communal dressing rooms and adult sanitary accommodated was not adequately secured posing a risk of injury to the children. 7. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for the 14 adults attached to the service. However, 2 vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’ Infection Control: 8. There were children’s spare clothing items stored in an open wall mounted pocket storage in the children’s sanitary accommodation serving the Senior pre-school posing a risk of cross infection. 9. There was an unlabelled oral gel stored in the kitchenette in the creche, the expiry date demonstrated it was out of date. The staff informed the inspector when asked that it had been used for more than 1 child posing a risk of cross infection. 10. The lid of the foot operated bin in the adult toilet was broken posing a risk of cross infection as the lid of the bin was touched when disposing paper hand towels. Fire Safety: 11. There were 2 clothes airers in use and 7 feeding chairs in the hallway leading to 1 fire exit door, posing a risk to children of not exiting promptly in the event of a fire of injury to children due to the obstructions. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Immediately after the inspection management hired a tradesman to secure both radiator covers. The staff have been asked to complete weekly visual inspections of the fixtures/fittings to complete the devised template devised. If any item requires attention the staff will note the detail and send a picture directly to management through the software application in operation in the service. Once management receive the message, the risk will be inspected and a corrective action will be put in place. If the issue is deemed an immediate risk, the area will be closed off / the item removed. 2. All staff have been informed of the dangers of heating bottles in the microwave. A bottle warmer was purchased and is in place to use to heat the bottles as required. A notice is displayed in the creche kitchenette to state the microwave is not to be used. 3. From the day of the inspection the children were not permitted to use the hall until the fire doors had been adequately secured. The overhead power button on the doors has reconnected, preventing children from opening the doors. The staff will check that the doors are secured before entering the hall. If the doors are not secured the hall will not be used until the doors are secured. 4. The window guards were removed permanently by the Camp community council once they were informed. 5. A new child safety gate was installed. 6. Gates have been installed at either side of the stage to prevent children from accessing the stage, the storage area, which was cleared out, communal dressing rooms and adult sanitary accommodation. 7. The Garda vetting for the 2 adults was applied for and received. Infection Control: 8. The children’s spare clothing was immediately. All clothing was washed on a 60-degree wash with disinfectant detergent. Clothing in now stored in a locked cabinet in the pre-school room. All staff are aware of the location of the new storage for the children’s spare clothes. 9. The oral gel was immediately disposed of. Oral gels will be provided by the parents for individual children, they will be labelled, the expiry date will be checked by the parents and re-checked by the staff. 10. A new bin has been ordered to replace the current bin. Fire Safety: 11. The clothes airers and the feeding chairs have been removed and are now stored in the closed storage area beside the staff kitchen 20 August 2025 ##### [Childsplay Creche Limited](/creche/childsplay-creche-limited-ardfert.md), Ardfert · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. On arrival to the service the entrance to the outdoor play area and to the service entrance door was not secured to restrict unsupervised access. The inspector proceeded through the gate to the outdoor area where the children were playing at the time. It was acknowledged the person in charge secured the gate with a high-level number lock thereafter. 2. The temperature of the warm water exceeded 50 degrees Celsius at the sink in the disabled/adult toilet in the creche and at the sink alongside the nappy changing unit in the creche. Once the staff were informed of this finding the children/staff had access to another sink for handwashing. An IAN was issued onsite on 20.8.’25 in response to this non-compliance founded. 3. Some of the books accessible to the children on the low-level shelving in the creche were torn, the small pieces posed a choking risk to children. 4. The 2 high feeding chairs observed in use on inspection for 2 children aged over 1 year had a waist harness only in place. The person in charge informed the inspector the service would cease using these chairs and would use the low-level feeding chairs that had both waist and shoulder harnesses in place. 5. There was 1 cot in the sleep room that has a nail protruding on 1 exterior corner posing an injury risk to children. 6. There was a stair gate in place at the top and 1 at the bottom of the stairs leading to the upstairs care room and office spaces. The gate at the top of the stairs was secured with a closure device on both sides posing a risk of obstruction in the event of fire evacuation. This matter was referred to the Fire Officer. 7. The First aid box in the pre-school room upstairs was accessible to children on a low-level ledge posing a risk of injury to children. 8. There was a hole in the tarmac surface in the outdoor play area posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 9. There were 2 cots with scuffed areas, making it difficult to clean them effectively posing a risk of cross infection. 10. The surface of the blue nappy changing mat in use in the nappy changing area was ripped therefore it could not be cleaned effectively posing a risk of cross infection. 11. The cover on the low-level baby bouncer chair was unclean posing a risk of cross infection. 12. The bin in use for used paper hand towels in the creche sanitary accommodation was not pedal operated posing a risk of cross infection when children and staff touching the lid. 13. The disabled toilet in the creche stored floor mops and buckets and a floor brush and dustpan posing a risk of cross infection. 14. There was no lid on the non-pedal bin in use in the disabled toilet in the creche posing a risk of cross infection. 15. Not all the children’s drinks bottles in use on inspection were labelled posing a risk of cross infection. 16. There was no warm water supply at the wash hand basin to facilitate effective hand washing in the girl’s toilet in the pre-school room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The staff have each been assigned to go outside before the children do and lock the gate. Staff will take their turns to lock the gate if the children are outside. 2. The plumber came to the premises on the day of the day of the inspection to test the water. The thermostat was set to a high temperature; the plumber changed the temperature thermostat to 40 degrees Celsius. The staff will check the water temperature on a weekly basis. 3. The torn books have been removed from the bookshelf and replaced with new books. A checklist has been added to the daily cleaning list so that staff will check the books each day to prevent any harm to children. 4. The 2 high feeding chairs were removed and 4 new low- level feeding chairs were purchased. 5. The protruding nail was fixed. Checks on the cots have been added to the daily staff cleaning list. 6. A risk assessment is in place for the stair gate. The risk assessments will continue until the Fire officer visits the service. 7. Any materials that would impose danger to the children have been removed from the first aid box. It has been added to the other Doctor play materials for the children to play with. The staff in the room will do more checks daily to ensure there are no posing risks to children. 8. The hole has been filled. It will be checked each day before the children go outside. Infection Control: 9. The cots were sanded down to where they are smooth. 10. The nappy changing mat was removed and replaced. The mat will be checked each day when cleaning it. 11. The cover was removed and washed. The cover will be washed every second day. 12. The bin without the lid was removed and it was replaced with a pedal operated bin. 13. The items were removed from the bathroom, and the staff were informed of this. 14. The bin was removed and replaced with a pedal bin. 15. The importance of labelling the children’s bottles was explained to the staff. A message was sent to parents to request them to label the children’s belongings to prevent a risk of cross infection. 16. The plumber fixed the temperature of the water 7 August 2025 ##### [IRD Waterville Early Years Centre](/creche/ird-waterville-early-years-centre-waterville.md), Waterville · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Fire Safety: • Emergency fire exit routes were obstructed by gate barriers in the creche room on day of inspection which may delay a prompt exit in the event of a fire. A referral has been sent to the Fire Safety Department in Kerry County Council. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Fire Safety: • In the written reply the registered provider has stated that the service is awaiting the in-person visit from the Kerry County Council Fire Officer. The service will be guided and will follow whatever advise is received on this issue. The Early Years Inspectorate has received an acknowledgement from the Fire Safety Department in Kerry County Council regarding the fire safety referral 29 July 2025 ##### [Buddies Crèche & Childcare Facility](/creche/buddies-creche-childcare-facility-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The swing unit located on the natural grass area outdoors was not secured posing a risk of injury to children. 2. There was an unsecured folded table tennis unit on wheels stored in the outdoor play area under the canopy posing accessible to children posing a risk of injury. 3. Garda vetting disclosures had been obtained for the 19 adults attached to the service. However, one vetting disclosure were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EY-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 4. An uncovered unused bottle of milk was not stored in the fridge in the creche room posing a risk of spoilage. 5. Not all children’s hands were washed after nappy changing was carried out posing a risk of cross contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1.The swing unit was removed. 2. The table tennis table unit is now stored in the shed. 3. Vetting was completed for the staff member. Infection Control: 4. The milk bottles are stored in the fridge and when finished are washed and sterilized. 5. All staff were reminded to wash their hands and the children’s hands after nappy changing using the correct hand washing procedure 19 June 2025 ##### [Happy Days](/creche/happy-days-castleisland.md), Castleisland · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The front of 2 radiator grids in the playroom were broken posing a risk of injury to the children. Infection Control: 2. The lids of the pedal bins in the sanitary and in the playroom were broken. The children and the adult were observed lifting the lids when using them posing a risk of the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The radiator grids have been secured. The radiator grids will be checked regularly by the staff when they are being cleaned. These checks have been added to the cleaning plan. Infection Control: 2. Two new pedal bins were purchased to replace the broken ones. The staff will ensure that the bins are checked regularly when they are cleaned. These checks have been added to the cleaning plan 17 June 2025 ##### [Maureen’s Childcare Centre](/creche/maureen-s-childcare-centre-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing practices observed on inspection were inconsistent and at variance with the nappy changing policy in place in the service and posed a risk of cross contamination as follows; • The staff returned children to the playroom whilst wearing the used gloves and plastic touching the door handles on the way. • The plastic aprons were not changed for each individual nappy change. • Not all children’s hands were washed after nappy changing was carried out. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. The Nappy Changing Policy and Procedure has been updated as part of the service annual review. Staff re-training and revision has been completed with all the team members. This has been signed off to ensure that all steps are followed at each nappy change at all times including inspection 17 June 2025 ##### [Naíonra an Daingin](/creche/naionra-an-daingin-an-daingean-tra-li.md), An Daingean, Trá Lí · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The gate in the outdoor play area was not secured to prevent unauthorised access. 2. The side of a plastic wheelbarrow was cracked in the outdoor area posing a risk of injury to children. 3. The hinges on the 2 cupboard doors under the low-level sink in the playroom were not secured posing a risk of injury to children. Administration of Medication: 4. There was no written parental consent on file as is required to give prescription emergency medication in the event it was needed. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. A lock has been applied to the gate leading to the children’s outdoor play area, picture attached as proof. The gate will be locked everyday by the staff. 2. The wheelbarrow has been disposed of. The service will ensure that all toys are of no risk to children, for example no cracks. 3. The doors on the press have been fixed, new stronger hinges are in place. All equipment will be repaired in the room as soon as it breaks. Administration of Medication: 4. The parents are in the process of filling out an action plan for the child with medical needs. All the associated paperwork will be in the service prior to the child starting on 27.8.’25. All medication forms will be available and up to date 9 June 2025 ##### [Listowel Childcare](/creche/listowel-childcare-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was plastic aprons and nappy sacks, gloves and barrier creams accessible to children in an unlocked cupboard under the nappy changing unit and on top of the nappy changing unit in the nappy changing room located in the cabin posing a risk of injury to children. 2. There was a dangling cable attached to a C.D player located over one cot in the sleep room serving the Acorn room posing a risk to children. 3. In the Maple room there was a cable attached to a lamp on a low-level shelving unit posing a risk to children. 4. There were 6 highchairs stored in the Acorn room when not in use during the day, posing a risk of injury to children. 5. There were 4 timber feeding chairs stacked in the Cherry room posing a risk of injury to children. 6. In the outdoor green area, there were exposed nails on a timber pallet on the ground and on the wall mounted chalk board posing a risk of injury to children. 7. There were gaps in some areas of the soft matting in the designated outdoor play area located at the front of the Cabin posing a trip hazard to the children. This was founded at the last inspection of 13th & 14th August 2024. The service responded stating that all the areas of the soft matting with gaps on the premise were filled with a mix of sand and gravel. This was not observed at this inspection. Infection Control: 8. There was no means of ventilation in the nappy changing room in the Cabin posing a risk of cross infection. 9. All the water bottles in the Maple room were not labelled posing a risk of cross infection. Fire Safety: 10. There were bags and boxes at the bottom of the stairs leading to the fire exit door posing a risk to children of not exiting promptly in the event of a fire. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. There was a child lock put on the cabinet in the nappy changing room so children cannot access it. 2. The cable attached to the C.D player was immediately secured, by attaching the cable to the wall using a secure cable cover to prevent it from hanging loosely, eliminating the risk to children. The area has been checked to ensure all cords are safely managed and staff have been reminded to report and address any potential hazards promptly. 3. The cable attached to the lamp was immediately secured. It was attached to the wall using a secure cable cover to prevent it from hanging loosely. The area has been checked to ensure all cords are safely managed and staff have been reminded to report and address any potential hazards promptly. 4. The six highchairs have been securely attached to the wall in the playroom, secured with plastic chains and a metal clip to prevent them from falling and posing a risk to children. This measure ensures that the highchairs are stored safely when not in use while remaining accessible for mealtimes. Staff have been reminded of the importance of securing the chairs when not in use. 5. A custom-built press with locked doors in the playroom will be used to safely store the 4 timber feeding chairs when not in use. The staff will be instructed to store the chairs in the press after each use as part of the room’s daily safety routine. 6. The timber pallet was immediately removed. The exposed nail on the wall mounted chalkboard was promptly fixed to ensure the area is safe for the children. Going forward, daily outdoor safety checks will include inspection of all equipment and surfaces to identify and address any potential hazards promptly. Staff have been reminded to report any damage or concerns immediately. 7. All gaps have been filled with a mixture of sand and cement to ensure stability and prevent further recurrence of gaps between the matting. This solution was determined to be permanent and the most effective way to address the issue to ensure that the surface of the playground remains consistent and even in the future. The area is now complete and safe for use. Going forward, this area will be monitored regularly as part of the outdoor daily safety checklist. In case gaps reappear, they will be promptly addressed and repaired to maintain the safety of the playground surface. Regular maintenance and inspections will help prevent any future issues from arising. Infection Control: 8. To prevent the risk of cross infection, electric ventilation was installed in the nappy changing room in the Cabin. The ventilation automatically turns on when the light is switched on, to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the children and for the staff. 9. All water bottles in the Maple room have been clearly labelled with each child’s name to eliminate the risk of cross infection. The staff have been reminded of the importance of ensuring that all drinks containers are properly identified for use only by the assigned child. Signage has been placed in each playroom to remind staff that all bottles are labelled each day. The staff have been informed to replace the labels on the bottles as needed when they are unclear or become detached. Fire Safety: 10. All bags and boxes were immediately removed to ensure a clear and safe exit route. The staff have been reminded that all exit routes must always remain completely unobstructed 3 June 2025 ##### [Naionra An Chaisleáin](/creche/naionra-an-chaisleain-castlegregory.md), Castlegregory · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a number of gaps present between the square matting in the outdoor play area posing of injury to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: Some of the worn matting in the outdoor area has been replaced with new outdoor mats. Some areas have been re-fitted where the gaps were, to minimise the risk of falling. The steps taken have improved the health and safety of the outdoor area. The new outdoor mats have lessoned the possibility of gaps forming in the future as they are more compacted. As a preauction, the outdoor area will be checked each morning to ensure the matting has not moved. A supply of sand will be available to place between any gaps in the matting as a backup measure 15 May 2025 ##### [First Steps](/creche/first-steps-castleisland.md), Castleisland · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, for 1 staff member the vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: Renewal of Garda vetting for one staff member was completed. An alert system has been activated to highlight expiry dates of Garda vetting disclosures for all staff working at the service 12 May 2025 ##### [Coolick Pre-School](/creche/coolick-pre-school-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. The children’s perishable food items were not placed in the fridge to prevent food spoilage. The perishable items for the second snack time were placed in the fridge at 11:10 am, the start of the first snack time. This was observed at the last inspection of 14.6.’24, with the service response that the perishable food items would be stored in the fridge. This practice was not observed on inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: The children’s perishable food items are to be stored in the fridge on the children’s arrival to the service. All staff are aware of this and a reminder notice is now placed on the fridge 9 April 2025 ##### [Currow Playschool](/creche/currow-playschool-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was a nail exposed on the panting box used by the service posing a risk of injury to the children. 2. The front of 1 radiator grid in the playroom was broken posing a risk of injury to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The planter was removed. A new planter will be purchased. 2. The radiator cover was repaired. A new radiator cover will be purchased 2 April 2025 ##### [Sneem Community Preschool & Créche](/creche/sneem-community-preschool-creche-sneem.md), Sneem · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: Fire Safety: • There was wooden barrier located on the inner side of the emergency fire exit door in the creche room. The half sized-timber gate structure was constructed to prevent the children from pushing the steel bar located at child height, when pushed, opens the emergency fire exit door. A written referral by the Inspectorate to the Fire Safety Officer following the last inspection dated the 14 May 2024 was issued. On inspection it was found that this issue had not been reviewed by the Fire Safety Department since the last inspection and a written reminder of the referral was sent following this inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider In the corrective and preventative response (CAPA) received from the person in charge the following was stated: - General Safety: • The Fire Safety Officer visited the service on receipt of the referral on the 1 May 2025. The person in charge in a written statement to the Inspectorate, stated that the Fire Safety Officer verbalised that the service could continue to use the wooden gate in front of the emergency fire exit door in the creche, once the gate is easily opened by a child, for example that it is not locked 31 March 2025 ##### [Alphabet Academy](/creche/alphabet-academy-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Grapes served for the morning snack were not halved, posing a risk of choking to children. 2. There was an unsecured cable attached to a floor cleaner accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to the children. 3. Garda vetting disclosures were available for 3 adults. However, 1 Garda vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’ Infection Control: 4. The perishable food items observed on inspection were not stored in the fridge provided posing a risk of food spoilage. Fire Safety: 5. The fire alarm system was not serviced on an annual basis, the last service recorded took place 12/5/’23. 6. The fire extinguisher was not serviced on an annual basis, the last service recorded took place on 06/2023. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. All fruit and vegetables served for lunch will be halved or quartered before the children eat them. The knife used will be stored at high level out the reach of the children. Every morning all fruit and vegetables will be halved or quartered to prevent a risk of choking. 2. A wireless spray mop is now in use and it will be continued to be used. It replaces the floor cleaner with the cable. 3. The person has been re-vetted. The staff files will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the necessary documents as required are held on file and updated as needed. Infection Control: 4. On arrival of the children to the service any perishable food items will be placed in the fridge. Fire Safety: 5. & 6. The fire alarm and the fire extinguisher were serviced on 04.04.’25. The Fire safety policy will be reviewed annually to ensure the fire alarm and the fire extinguisher is serviced annually 17 February 2025 ##### [Greta's Childcare](/creche/greta-s-childcare-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. In the playroom, there was an unsecured ventilation unit with a dangling cable stored on a low-level shelving unit used for storing toys, posing a risk of injury to children. 2. During the inspection the fire exit door leading to the outdoor area was observed open for a period of time, as it was not secured it swung freely posing a risk of injury to children. 3. A child seated in a low-level feeding chair at the mealtime was observed moving around the floor using their feet, posing a risk of injury. 4. There was 1 piece of the waistband missing on a low-level feeding chair posing a risk of injury to children when not secured in the chair. 5. The temperature of the warm water at the sink located at the nappy changing unit exceeded a safe temperature for hand washing for children The temperature of the water was recorded at 45.4 degrees Celsius posing a risk of scalding. 6. There was a sleep monitor with a dangling cable attached on a shelf located over 1 cot, it was within a child’s reach posing a risk of injury. 7. There was linen stored on a shelf located over 1 cot, it was within a child’s reach posing a suffocation risk to children. 8. The seat on the children’s low-level toilet was loose posing a risk of injury to children. 9. The tuff tray located in the outdoor play area was cracked posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 10. During the afternoon children were observed resting/ sleeping on soft matting and on 1 stackable bed in an allocated area near the book corner in the playroom. The mats and bed were not positioned 50 cm apart from each other on all sides for infection control. 11. The inspector was informed by staff of the sterilisation procedures for soothers, it was to pour boiled water from the kettle over the soothers. The procedures for sterilising soothers were inadequate posing a risk of the spread of infection. 12. During the inspection, staff were observed to wear their apron and gloves while returning to the playroom via 2 doors after changing children’s nappies posing a risk of the spread of infection. 13. The practice of children washing their hands after nappy changing was not observed on inspection and this was confirmed on speaking to staff about the nappy changing procedure. 14. An unlidded bin was in use in the children’s toilet cubicle instead of a lidded, foot operated bin, posing a risk of the spread of infection. 15. There were 2 cloth mattresses and 2 waterproof mattress protectors in use in the 2 standard cots provided in the sleep room. The inspectors were informed that the cots are used by different children, as there were only 2 waterproof mattress protectors on the premises then each child did not have their own waterproof mattress protector posing a risk of cross contamination and cross infection. 16. A low-level section of the wall near the fire exit door was unclean posing a risk of the spread of infection. 17. There were sections of the skirting boards with paint chipped off making it difficult to clean adequately posing a risk of the spread of infection. 18. Cleaning records reviewed in the main playroom, sleep room and sanitary facilities on day of inspection were not completed since 07/02/2025. These records were completed by staff up to this date. Safe Sleep: 19. During the afternoon, there was no record of sleep checks maintained for the children sleeping in the playroom posing a risk of injury to children. 20. There were no sleep plans drawn up by the registered provider for the children aged under 24 months not sleeping in a standard cot in collaboration with the children’s parents. The plans are to support an agreed approach in supporting sleep provision for these children. 21. There were 2 standard cots provided in the service. The sleep and rest provisions for the 5 children aged under 24 months attending the service were not adequate. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The ventilation unit was removed. 2. The door is used for children to enter and exit to the playground. A hook was place on the door to hold the door open. Staff will supervise children whilst entering and exiting at all times. 3. The child that was using the low sized seat is now eating all snacks and meals seated in one of the new highchairs purchased. 4. This chair has been replaced. There was a total of 3 new high feeding chairs purchased. The service is in the process of drawing up a risk assessment for all equipment in the playroom. 5. A new thermostatic controlled mixing valve was fitted to the sink. A probe to check the water temperature will be purchased, and the water temperature will be checked and recorded daily. 6. The sleep monitor cable was placed securely out of reach of children. The registered provider will monitor all cables and ensure they are covered correctly and safely out of reach of children. 7. New storage boxes were purchased to store the linen and they have been placed out of reach of children. 8. The toilet seat was repaired and secured. 9. The broken tuff tray was removed from the service. All staff will ensure broken equipment will be disposed of. Infection Control: 10. The staff member allocated to supervising sleeping/resting children will ensure that the beds are placed 50cm apart using a measuring tape. Sleep checks will be recorded every 10minutes. 11. A steriliser was purchased, and the steriliser procedure was completed. The procedure is displayed next to the steriliser machine for all staff to follow. 12. All staff were retrained in the correct nappy changing procedure. 13. The updated nappy changing policy is displayed in the nappy changing room. All staff have been reminded of hand washing practice. 14. This bin has been removed and a replaced with a new pedal bin. 15. Three waterproof mattresses were purchased. 16. The wall has been cleaned and will be repainted during Easter holidays. 17. The skirting boards were cleaned and will be repainted during the Easter holidays. 18. Cleaning records were completed and will be regularly reviewed going forward. These will be completed daily by staff members. Safe Sleep: 19. All staff have reviewed the sleep check procedure and they will carry out sleep checks every 10 minutes. 20. The registered provider has completed sleep plans and will discuss each sleep plan with parents individually. 21. A third cot was purchased for the sleep room. The registered will ensure that sleep/rest equipment is provided for all children in the service. If necessary, floor beds will be purchased. Currently, there are no children attending under 1 year old 15 January 2025 ##### [Little Leaders](/creche/little-leaders-lixnaw.md), Lixnaw · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Located in the national school yard that is the designated area for children to play outdoors, there was a sheet of corrugated iron that was not adequately secured to the wall, it was accessible to the children posing a risk of injury to them. 2. The firefighting equipment and smoke alarm were not serviced on an annual basis, records demonstrated that the most recent service for both was 03/11/’23. 3. There were 2 toilets allocated for the children’s use, the seats of the toilets were not secured posing a risk of children falling off and injuring themselves. Infection Control: 4. There was no running supply of warm water at the hot wash hand basins in the sanitary accommodation posing a risk of spreading infection due to ineffective handwashing. 5. The pedal of the lidded bin located in the sanitary accommodation was broken posing a risk of the spread of infection as children and adults touch the lid of the bin when disposing the paper had towels. 6. The children’s perishable items were not stored in the fridge provided posing a risk of illness to children due to food spoilage. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The sheet of corrugated iron was repaired. This will be added to the school risk assessment. 2. The firefighting equipment was serviced. There is a reminder attached to the yearly calendar to ensure that the maintenance is kept up to date. 3. The toilet seats were repaired. Infection Control: 4. The water in the attic water tank was frozen, the tank was blocked with debris as a result of the freezing weather temperatures. The tank was repaired and fixed. The daily checklist now includes checking the water each morning. 5. A new pedal bin is in place. 6. Perishable items are placed in the fridge 11 December 2024 ##### [Caherslee Childcare Services](/creche/caherslee-childcare-services-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. The children’s perishable food items were not stored in the fridge to prevent food spoilage. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The service has added a new “game” to the daily morning routine whereby a staff member will be allocated to enable the children assist in placing the lunches in the fridge on arrival. The 5 December 2024 ##### [Starlight Starbright Montessori Pre School](/creche/starlight-starbright-montessori-pre-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the registered provider, however, the vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. The surface of the outdoor play area was greasy and slippery. Lots of leaves that gathered across all areas of the play space. Rainwater had collected in lots of containers outdoors. A deep clean of this area was required in order to make it safe for use by the children at the service. Infection Control: 3. There was no hot water available at the wash hand basin used by the children in the sanitary accommodation. Thermostatically controlled hot water is required at all wash hand basins in the service to ensure proper infection control measures are followed. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1.A Garda vetting renewal application was processed for the registered provider. Garda vetting will be renewed every three years. 2.The outdoor area was deep cleaned and made safe for the children to access on a daily basis. Regular and ongoing cleaning will take place at the service to ensure the area is accessible throughout the year. Infection Control: 3.Repair works were carried out on the emersion heater to ensure that hot water for handwashing was always accessible. All repair works within the service will be carried out in a timely manner to ensure adequate infection control measures will always be in place 26 November 2024 ##### [Bright Sparks Montessori](/creche/bright-sparks-montessori-kenmare.md), Kenmare · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Children were observed standing on timber beams and jumping into a hollow depleted earth, sand and stone gravel pit with irregular surfaces located in the outdoor play area. This is considered a potential safety hazard to the children in its present state. Infection Control: 2. In Room 1, in the children’s toilet facilities on day of inspection, the following was found: the water pressure was low in the three water taps present. There was no thermostatically controlled hot water available for hygienic hand washing in the stainless-steel wash hand basin during the morning and afternoon sessional service increasing the potential risk of cross infection. 3. In the children’s toilet facility beside room 1, the toilet flush mechanism in one of the children’s toilets was not in a proper state of repair and took a long time for the water to fill between toilet flushes. To prevent the potential risk of cross infection and taking into consideration the numbers of children in attendance each day in Room 1, children’s toilets require to be in a proper state of repair at all times during the hours of operation. Action submitted by the Registered Provider In the corrective and preventative response (CAPA) the following was stated: - General Safety: 1. The depleted construction play pit area has been refilled. The construction area will be periodically filled, and safety risk assessments will continue to be carried out on the area. Infection Control: 2. A plumber was called, and a decision was made to reduce the number of taps from three to two in the stainless-steel wash hand basin therefore increasing the water flow from both taps when children are hand washing. There is now thermostatically controlled hot water from the two water taps in the wash hand basin in the children’s toilet facility beside Room 1. Going forward the staff will check there is thermostatically controlled hot water during the morning and afternoon sessional service. 3. In the children’s toilet facility beside Room 1, a plumber came the following day and replaced the fluid master in the toilet. The toilet flush mechanism in one of the children’s toilets is now operating correctly 18 November 2024 ##### [Bright Sparks Montessori](/creche/bright-sparks-montessori-asdee.md), Asdee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safey 1. The temperature of the warm water accessible to the children at the sink in the sanitary accommodation was recorded at 47 degrees Celsius posing a scalding risk to children. Fire Safety: 2. The last fire drill conducted in the service was on 27.9.’24. It was acknowledged the registered provider submitted a record demonstrating that a fire drill was conducted following the inspection on 19/11/’24. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The National school have arranged for a Plumber to fix the problem, it will be fixed for the school re- opening in January. Until then as is evidenced in the video provided, the water supply has been turned off at the sink in question. The children are washing hands at the classroom sink. Fire Safety: 2. A fire drill was completed on 19.11.’24. The service will complete and record a fire drill every month 7 November 2024 ##### [Sliabh Luachra Montessori](/creche/sliabh-luachra-montessori-rathmore.md), Rathmore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) Garda vetting was available for five staff members. However, two vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12. Renewal of Garda vetting’. (2) The main entrance door was unsecured when the inspectors arrived at 9:40 am, posing a safety risk, as unauthorised adults could gain entry to the service. In discussion, the registered provider stated that the door is left open between 9:00 and 9:30 to facilitate parents/guardians and this was an oversight. (3) There was a large, unanchored, shelving unit stored on the windowsill in the Shining Sunflowers care room. This was accessible to the children and was unsteady to touch, posing a safety risk to the children should it fall over on top of a child. (4) Staff handbags were seen to be stored in a sink in the dancing daises room. The handbags were accessible to the children which posed a risk to a child removing unknown personal items from staff’s bags. (5) A trampoline was visible in the outdoor area, posting a potential risk of accident or injury to the children. Infection Control: (6) A nappy changing unit was observed in use in a storage room that also housed a fridge, toaster, kettle, slow cooker and microwave. In conversation, the registered provider stated that there was no room to store the unit elsewhere in the service. Changing nappies in the same area where food is prepared poses a risk of cross contamination and foodborne illness. (7) The wash hand basin observed in the nappy changing area was being used for washing play equipment in use by the children, posing a risk of cross contamination. (8) Perishable food of children in both care rooms was observed to be stored in the children’s bags, located outside the door of each care room, posing a risk of the perishable food spoiling which may lead to illness. (9) A changing mat in use on the nappy changing unit in the storage area was split at the top and the foam was exposed, posing a risk of cross contamination as it could not be cleaned effectively. (10) Bins in the service were noted to not be pedal operated in both Dancing Daisies and Shining Sunflower care rooms. In addition, the pedal operated bin in Dancing Daisies sanitary area was broken. This poses a risk of cross infection for the children placing their hands on the bins. (11) The mat under the outdoor slide was torn with inner material exposed. This made it difficult to clean adequately and posed a risk of infection to the children. Fire Safety: (12) A labelled fire exit door in Dancing Daisies, which staff informed the inspector was used as a fire exit, led down a path past paint brushes in blue liquid, a broken mop head and pieces of timber. These obstacles had the potential to impede the safe evacuation of the children and adults in the event of an emergency or fire. (13) The registered provider informed the inspector at the closing meeting that this fire exit is not in use, although it was signposted as such, and staff stated it was a fire exit. Staff and management not being clear on which door is the fire exit could lead to confusion during an emergency evacuation, posing a risk to all in the service. (14) The fire exit door in Shining Sunflowers had no fire exit sign and had a key lock. This posed a risk to the staff and children in the event of a quick evacuation. Outing: (15) Staff informed the inspector that they take weekly outings from the service and walk to local areas of interest. On discussion with staff in Shining Sunflowers care room and the register provider, no written risk assessment was performed for outings in the service. This is contrary to the service’s outing policy which stated a risk assessment is carried out on the proposed outing location prior to the outing itself. This poses a risk to the safety of the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following statements were made by the registered provider: - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures were applied for two staff members and received back from the Garda vetting bureau. Garda vetting will be renewed every three years to ensure compliance. 2. Staff were reminded that the main door must be secured, and this will be checked daily. 3. The shelf has been removed. Heavy equipment and furniture will not be placed on the window cill in the future. 4. Staff handbags were removed from the sink and will be stored out of reach of the children. 5. The trampoline was removed from the outdoor play area. No further trampolines will be purchased for the service. Infection Control: 6. All Kitchen items have been removed and the area will be used solely for nappy changing in the future. 7. Play equipment items are removed from the sink and the sink will be solely used for hand washing for nappy changing. 8. Two fridges have been purchased. All perishable foods will be stored in the fridge in the care rooms. 9. The torn changing mat has been removed and replaced. 10. New pedal operated bins have been purchased for Dancing Daisies and Shining Sunflowers care rooms. All bins in the service will be pedal operated in the future. 11.The mat is now removed. Staff will ensure resources are checked prior to going out to play. Fire Safety: 12. All items have been removed from the fire exit route and the pathway will remain clear. 13. Management and staff have agreed on the alternative fire exit door on the ground floor. 14. A thumb twist lock has been fitted on the Shining Sunflowers fire exit door. All fire doors will have a thumb twist lock going forward. Outing: 15. A risk assessment will be completed and further for any outings going forward 4 November 2024 ##### [Nai Ionad Na Cille](/creche/nai-ionad-na-cille-castlemaine.md), Castlemaine · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Safe Sleep: 2. One child under the age of 2 was observed to sleep on a floor mats in the creche rooms. Tusla’s Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months states that the use of floor mats or stackable beds for children aged under 24 months are not sufficiently conducive to sleep for children in this age range. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The service ordered two new floor bed with a mattress suitable for this age group. Staff have been informed and been shown a copy of the sleep document for children under 24 months for future reference 14 October 2024 ##### [Cumann Iosaef Community Preschool & Afterschool](/creche/cumann-iosaef-community-preschool-afterschool-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: Pre-school room 1. The children observed on the morning of the inspection playing in the hall had access to 4 sets of fire exit doors that were easily openable with low level push bar release openings. This included • 2 doors exited out to the carpark and the roadway, • 1 door to the outdoor play area serving the pre-school room where an unsecured gate opened out to the carpark and the roadway • 1 door opened out to an area that stored disused and broken play items posing a risk of injury to the children. These doors posed a risk of injury to the children. It was acknowledged on 18/10/’24 the person in charge furnished the inspector with a quotation in respect of alarms for each of the 4 sets of doors that will be fitted. 2. There were 2 unsecured doors at either side of the stage in the hall where children could access the stage area and storage areas posing a risk of injury to children. 3. There was an unsecured computer tower stored on the floor in the pre-school room posing a risk of injury to children. 4. Within a low-level unsecured cupboard there were plastic aprons stored posing a suffocation risk to children. 5. The grid on 1 radiator cover in the pre-school room was broken posing a risk of injury to children. 6. Within the outdoor area there was a stainless-steel wall mounted cover fitted over pipes, the cover was not secured adequately, and it was rusted with sharp edges at the bottom posing a risk of injury to children. 7. There was a wall mounted timber structure used to hang toys located in the outdoor area serving the children attending the pre-school. It had loose splinters posing a risk of injury to children. 8. There were holes in the soft matting surface posing a risk of injury to children. 9. There were plastic aprons, cleaning wipes and open plastic bags of nappies stored on low level shelving in the sanitary/nappy changing accommodation serving the creche posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 10. There was no warm water provided at the wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary accommodation serving the pre-school room to enable children to effectively wash their hands after using the toilet. This posed a risk of cross infection. 11. A beaker of milk for 1 child attending the pre-school room was stored in the room for the duration of the session. On discussion with the staff the beaker was not placed in the fridge on the child’s arrival to the service. 12. The children’s crockery used at mealtimes was stored in a cupboard located in the lobby of the sanitary accommodation, the door of which was observed open posing a risk of cross infection. 13. There was an uncovered teat on a child’s bottle stored in the fridge in the creche posing a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. There were 4 alarms fitted to the 4 fire exit doors. The Policy and Procedure on the use of the hall has been updated to include that the fire exit doors with the alarms in place must be turned on before the children enter the hall. 2. A key for each of the doors to lock them is now available for the staff. The Policy and Procedure for the use of the hall has been updated to include that both doors must be locked before the children enter the hall. The keys will be kept with the keys used for the playroom. 3. The computer tower has been removed and replaced with a laptop. No computer towers will be stored in the room. 4. The plastic aprons were removed to a high-level press out of the reach of the children and the staff have been informed of this. 5. The radiator cover has been replaced. Should the cover break in the future it will be replaced immediately. 6. A timber structure (painted with chalk paint, now used for children as a chalk board) was used to enclose the stainless-steel cover. 7. The timber structure was removed. 8. The areas with the holes in the outdoor matting were replaced with a suitable sealed matting. Any further holes observed will be replaced immediately. 9. The plastic aprons, bags and other plastic equipment are now stored on a high shelf. Staff are reminded that all plastics are to be stored out of the reach of the children. Infection Control: 10. The Manager of the centre was informed that no warm water was available. The children are using the sink with warm water in the playroom to wash their hands. Hand- washing signs are placed on the wall near the said sink. 11. The staff have been informed that all the children’s beakers will be placed in the fridge provided in the dining room. 12. The items have been placed in sealed plastic boxes and are now stored on a shelf in the playroom. 13. Staff will ensure that all covers for bottles are provided by the parents 8 October 2024 ##### [Little Voyagers Childcare](/creche/little-voyagers-childcare-ardfert.md), Ardfert · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were 6 highchairs stacked in the Rainbow room during the day posing a risk of injury to children. 2. A portion of grapes served at the morning snack time to a child in the Butterfly room were not chopped up posing a risk of choking. It was acknowledged when brought to the attention of the staff members the grapes were taken away for chopping and returned to the child. 3. A 2nd microwave used for re-heating food for the children in the pre-school room was stored on top of the low-level fridge posing a risk of injury to children. 4. The corners of the low-level worktop surrounding the sink in the pre-school room had sharp corners posing a risk of injury to the children. 5. The handrails in place on the stairs used by the children in the pre-school room were not positioned at children’s level posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 6. On discussion with the staff regarding the management of shared cots for the children, it was established that the cots are not sanitized down between each use posing a risk of cross infection. 7. The vents located in the downstairs sanitary and nappy changing accommodation and in the sanitary accommodation upstairs serving the pre-school room were unclean posing a risk of cross infection. Safe Sleep: 8. A stackable bed was used for sleeping a 19-month child in the designated sleep area in the Butterfly room on inspection. A sleep plan set out by the service with evidence of parental engagement and parental consent was not on file in respect of the child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. 1.- 5. The 6 highchairs were removed from the room following the inspection, they are now stored in the main hall. The chairs will remain outside of the room and will only be used in the room during times for the purpose intended. 2. All food entering the building that is supplied by the parents will be checked prior to it being served to the children. Following the inspection, correspondence was issued to all parents to remind them to ensure that all food is chopped as is required. At a staff meeting the issue was addressed to highlight the importance of eliminating any choking hazards for children, in particular with reference to grapes. All the children’s lunch boxes will be checked before giving the food to the children. 3. The need for the 2nd microwave in the room was discussed with the staff. It was concluded that the microwave in question is not in demand currently, it was removed from the room. If the microwave will be required again, it will be returned to the room and stored in the press unit and connected to a power source. 4. Corner protectors were fitted to the corners of the worktop. Additional protectors are on the premises if required in the future to prevent risk of injury to children from sharp corners. 5. An additional handrail at a lower level has been placed in the stairwell to assist children to access the upstairs and prevent any risk of injury. Infection Control: 6. 6. 7. Since this was brought to the attention of the staff on the day of the inspection a cleaning sheet documenting the times of sanitisation between use is in place. The cots are cleaned down and sanitised between each use to prevent cross infection, the staff are required to the sign the cleaning sheets when the cots have been cleaned. 7. The vents have been cleaned and will be cleaned on a regular basis. The vents are included on the weekly cleaning sheets. Safe Sleep: 8. 8. Following the inspection a completed and a signed sleep plan was submitted to the early years inspectorate in respect of the child in question. A new file is in place for children’s sleep plans which parents and staff have completed. The said file will be available for inspection 27 September 2024 ##### [Naionra Gaelscoil Aogain Teoranta](/creche/naionra-gaelscoil-aogain-teoranta-castleisland.md), Castleisland · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A window in a care room was easily accessible to children by a table and a radiator and could pose a risk to children climbing up and exiting or falling. 2. A television on a low-level shelf was easily accessible to children and was not securely mounted posing a risk of injury to the children should it fall or be pulled down on them. Infection Control: 3. During nappy changing, a staff member was observed not wearing a disposable apron posing a risk of cross infection to both the staff member and child - 1. The table in the care room under the window has been moved to ensure the safety of the children where they cannot climb up to the openable window. 2. The television has been removed and is now stored in the storeroom. This has been added to the daily risk assessment to ensure the safety of the children. 3. The aprons for use at nappy changing are now stored in that area and staff have been informed to always wear an apron when changing nappies. Staff have been informed at a staff meeting and have signed agreeing the procedure 12 September 2024 ##### [Sheilann's Early Learning Centre](/creche/sheilann-s-early-learning-centre-gneeveguila.md), Gneeveguila · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) The main entrance door could not be appropriately secured from the inside as children had access to the push bar which was located within reach. There was on means available of securing the door, from the inside, should an unsupervised child push the bar which lead to the ramp to the outdoor play area. Infection Control: (2) There was a swing bin in use in the children’s toilets posing a risk of cross contamination. The inspector observed various children throughout the morning place their hands on top of the bin to dispose of paper waste. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) The main entrance door has been secured to ensure the children cannot leave the service unsupervised. Infection Control: (2) A new pedal operated bin has been purchased for the children’s sanitary area 21 August 2024 ##### [Bellview Woods Childcare](/creche/bellview-woods-childcare-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: (1) The inspector observed that twenty-three mattresses in the various sleep rooms were not waterproof or fitted with waterproof covers, posing a risk from leakages or accidents as the label on the mattresses stated that they may not prevent soakage. In conversation, management were unaware that there was no waterproof protection on the mattresses. (2) One of three cots situated in a small area in Sleep Room 3, off the Wobbler 1 care room, was less than the recommended 50 centimetres apart, being 30 centimetres from the nearest cot. This may pose a risk of cross contamination. Safe Sleep: (3) Four children, under twenty-four months, from the Playschool 2 care room, were observed resting in the Seomra Dearg sleep room on stackable beds, which are not suitable for use with children in this age group. In discussion, management were unaware of the specific sleep equipment for children in this age group. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: The following statements were received from the manager; (1) New waterproof mattress protectors have been purchased. Waterproof mattress protectors will be on all cots in the future. (2) The cot in the Sleep Room 3, off the Wobbler 1 care room has been removed. Safe Sleep: (3) The four children from the Playschool 2 care room who were sleeping on stackable beds in the Seomra Dearg sleep room are now sleeping in cots. The service’s sleep policy has been amended and staff have been informed that all children under 2 years require a cot in which to rest/sleep, unless a risk assessment and agreement with parents are in place for a child over 15 months to sleep on specific appropriate sleep equipment. Management will ensure that they keep up to date with all relevant information on sleep for children under 2 years 1 August 2024 ##### [Scartaglen Childcare Centre](/creche/scartaglen-childcare-centre-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The grass area outside had some soft matting beside the raised pebble bed, this matting was lifting and separating, this caused a potential risk to both staff and children of tripping and falling. Infection Control: 2. Although dairy products contained in children’s snack were refrigerated, the meat sandwiches and meat slices were not refrigerated to prevent contamination of these perishable items. Not refrigerating perishable items contained in children’s snacks may allow for bacterial growth, contamination and potential illness in children. 3. The children in the Toddler room downstairs did not have their hands washed hands before snack, thus allowing for potential contamination of the food with dirty hands which may lead to possible illness for the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The soft matting is to be removed; a contractor has been contacted to commence work on the area. The area has been taken out of use while awaiting completion of the work required. The registered provider has committed that all surfaces in the outdoor area going forward will be constructed of materials that will not cause a trip hazard. Infection Control: 2. The registered provider has committed that all staff will ensure that all perishable items contained in children’s lunches will be refrigerated 31 July 2024 ##### [First Step Childcare](/creche/first-step-childcare-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. An unsecured cable attached to a monitor on the floor of the sleep room posed a risk of strangulation to children. 2. Garda vetting disclosures were available for twenty-one adults. However, two Garda vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Safe Sleep: 3. Staff were not aware of the safe sleep guidelines in respect of the required sleep room temperature for children aged under 2 years, posing a safety risk to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The 2 Garda vetting disclosures that were outside the timelines have been rectified and are now in date and valid for the next 3 years. A regular check on all staff files will be conducted to ensure that all Garda vetting is up to date and valid. 2. The cables have been tidied away and are covered in completely by a wire cover. The cables and plug outlets will be checked on a regular basis to ensure that no wires are exposed in any way to the children. Safe Sleep: 3. All staff currently working in each room attended a short meeting to read the sleep policy and ensure that it was understood. All the staff members returning to work in September will be required to read, understand and sign off on the safe sleep policy 25 July 2024 ##### [Milltown Childcare Centre](/creche/milltown-childcare-centre-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. An adult sized doll’s house in use in the Junior/Senior care room was not anchored to the wall, posing a safety risk from it tipping or falling onto a child. 2. Two water butts, which collect water from the runways on the roof of the covered outdoor play areas, were in use in the outdoor play by the children, posing a risk from contaminants. Infection Control: 3. Children’s personal belongings in the Toddler changing area were stored in open areas near the sanitary area, posing a risk of cross contamination. 4. A mechanical vent in the Toddler changing area was noted to be covered in dust impeding the removal of stale air and the circulation of fresh air. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The doll’s house in the Junior/Senior care room has been removed. Should it be requested for use in the future it will be secured. 2. Staff have been made aware of the restrictions of use of the water coming from the water butts. Pictures have been added to the butts to ensure that everyone is aware that water is not to be used with the children. Infection Control: 3. All personal belongings have been removed or covered to ensure that they have no contact with the germs or bacteria from the toilet. 4. The mechanical vent in the Toddler changing area was cleaned and has been added to the cleaning list 8 July 2024 ##### [Tir na Nog Community Childcare](/creche/tir-na-nog-community-childcare-ballybunion.md), Ballybunion · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures were available for twenty-four adults. However, six Garda vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. A room used on the first floor named as the “break out” room was used during the day by some of the children in the care rooms with the exception of the baby room. The room was not secured to prevent children leaving unsupervised where they could access a number of unsecured rooms and toilets, a lift and the stairway. The room was not secured to prevent unauthorised persons in. 3. The temperature of the warm water exceeded 43 degrees Celsius posing a risk of scalding. The temperatures recorded ranged between 46.2 degrees Celsius and 46.6 degrees Celsius in respect of the wash hand basins in the sanitary accommodation serving the toddler room, and the sanitary accommodation and the wash hand basins in the senior pre-school room. 4. There were splinters on the wooden toy kitchen in the outdoor play area posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 5. The required 50 cm distance between the cots in the sleep rooms was not maintained posing a risk of the spread of infection. 6. The mattress covers on 1 cot in each of the sleep rooms were unclean posing a risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. 7. The sweeping brush, sweeping pan and brush were stored in the toilet cubicle in the Senior pre-school room posing a risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. 8. There was no running warm water at the sink in the nappy changing room serving the baby and toddler rooms posing a risk of cross contamination. Hand washing by the adults and for the children after nappy changing was observed to be carried out in the children’s toilets in the toddler room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting disclosures were submitted. A word document has been created demonstrating the expiry date for each adult’s Garda vetting. 2. Alarms have been fitted on each door. The alarms are designed to emit a loud and continuous noise whenever the doors are opened. The primary purpose of the alarms is to prevent children from leaving the room unsupervised. The loud noise serves as deterrent and the heavy doors add an additional layer of security to ensure children cannot exit easily. The alarms are triggered if an authorized person attempts to enter the room, thereby enhancing the overall security of the children. A routine schedule for testing and maintaining the door alarms including checking the battery life, verifying the sound of the alarms and ensuring the doors close securely. Regular drills or refresher training for staff on the use of these alarms should be conducted to reinforce correct usage and response protocols. This will prevent system failures and ensure continuous protection against unauthorized exits or entries. 3. The temperature of the warm water is controlled and will be monitored. A document is in place to record the temperature of the warm water each day. 4. The splinters on the wooden mud kitchen were sanded down and varnished. Infection Control: 5. There was 1 cot removed. The partition between the sleep rooms will be removed. A carpenter has been booked to complete the work and pictures of the completed work will be forwarded to the inspectorate. 6. Mattress protectors for each child were purchased. 7. They were moved out to the hallway. 8. There are now 2 sinks provided in the nappy changing room, the renovation works have been completed. The staff will follow the nappy changing procedure 2 July 2024 ##### [Na Leanai Childcare Service](/creche/na-leanai-childcare-service-causeway.md), Causeway · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures were available for twenty-four adults. However, two Garda vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. The white open shelving unit in the Creche extension area was not secure posing an injury risk to children. Infection Control: 3. Labelled milk bottles with teats attached stored in the creche fridge were uncovered posing a risk of cross contamination. 4. The waterproof mattress protectors on the cots were shared by the children, they were not individual to each child posing a risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. 5. The minimum 50 cm space between the cots in the sleep room was not maintained increasing the risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was applied for and received for both staff members. 2. The shelf has been attached to the wall making it secure. Infection Control: 3. All milk bottles will have covers on them from the day of the inspection onwards. 4. Waterproof mattress protectors were purchased for each child. They will be washed between each sleep. 5. The cots have been moved so as there is 50cm space between each cot 17 April 2024 ##### [Listowel Pre-school Playgroup](/creche/listowel-pre-school-playgroup-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The two corners on the low-level black worktop area were sharp and posed a risk of injury to the children. 2. A tall timber unit was unsteady on the uneven floor area posing a risk of falling over on children causing injury. 3. Two timber benches in the outdoor play area were unsteady posing a risk to children of falling over and causing injury Infection Control: 4. The corners of a vinyl couch located in the rest area were ripped open, posing a risk of cross infection as it was difficult to clean it adequately. 5. The wet mop and bucket were stored in the kitchenette posing a risk of the spread of infection. Fire Safety: 6. Records on file demonstrated the frequency of the fire drills conducted in the service were not adequate. The last recorded fire drill that took place on 20.01.’24. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The two corners on the low-level worktop have now been repaired to a child safety standard. This area will be checked for safety at clean up time daily as part of the safe work environment ethos. 2. The timber unit has been moved to a stable space in the room. It will remain in the safe space and not return to the uneven floor area in the room. 3. The timber benches have been repaired and repainted. They will be checked for safety and any damage on a regular basis. Infection Control: 4. The vinyl couch has been removed from the room. All damaged items will be removed when we inspect and clean on a regular basis. 5. The wet mop and bucket have been removed from the kitchen. Fire Safety: 6. A fire drill had been carried out on 26/02/’24 and on 05/03/’24, the records had not been updated for these dates. The records have now been updated and a fire drill has been conducted on 29/04/’24. To prevent this problem reoccurring the fire drills will be immediately recorded when completed 16 April 2024 ##### [Sunflowers Childcare](/creche/sunflowers-childcare-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) A wooden slat was observed hanging loose from the roof of the climbing equipment in the outdoor play area, posing a safety risk should it fall off and hit a child standing below it. Infection Control: (2) Two bins in use in the Pre-school toilets were open at the top with no lids. Disposable gloves and used paper towels were visible and accessible to the children, posing a risk of cross contamination should the children come into contact with the used materials when disposing of paper waste. Safe Sleep: (3) The inspector observed, at 12.50 pm, that there were two children, under two years old, asleep in bouncers on the floor of one of the separated areas of the Creche/Wobbler care room. Bouncers are not considered appropriate for use for sleep as they pose a safety risk due to the children’s semi-upright position in the bouncers which has the potential to cause an airway obstruction while asleep. (4) Two cots in the Creche/Wobbler dedicated sleep room were observed placed next to a radiator, posing a risk that a child placed in either cot could become overheated. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) The slat was removed, and the climbing equipment has been added to the safety checks. Regular checks will be conducted by maintenance personnel. Infection Control: (2) The bins were removed and replaced the following day. Staff will ensure that damaged items are removed immediately and management will be informed. Safe Sleep: (3) The two bouncers were removed, and parents informed that the children would be sleeping in cots in future. (4) The cots were moved away from the radiators. Staff will ensure that the cots are not placed next to radiators in the future 16 April 2024 ##### [Sunny Days Montessori](/creche/sunny-days-montessori-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The service did not take appropriate actions as was documented within a written care plan to ensure the health safety and welfare of the child in the service who required this. Infection Control: 2.. The children’s perishable items were not refrigerated in the fridge provided in the playroom to prevent food spoilage posing a risk of illness to children. Fire Safety: 3.. The smoke alarm was not serviced once a year. The record on file demonstrated the last service for the smoke alarm was 06/04/2022. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated: - - General Safety: 1. The day after the inspection the necessary equipment was provided each day for the child. Infection Control: 2. The perishable food items are now stored in the fridge, each item is labelled with the child’s name. the fridge will be used each day to store the children’s perishable food. Fire safety: 3. The smoke alarm was serviced. The fire safety company will be contacted annually to carry out the smoke alarm service 11 April 2024 ##### [Naíonra Le Chéile](/creche/naionra-le-cheile-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The children played in the school yard located at the front of the premise. The gates within this area were not secured to prevent the children from exiting unsupervised and to restrict unauthorised access in. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The children are only permitted to access the building’s back garden for outdoor play time. The garden area is secured and equipped with age-appropriate toys and equipment for the pre-school children. Under no circumstances are staff permitted to take the children to play at the front of the building. This was an error of judgement on the day of the inspection and is not the norm. The issue was discussed with the staff who were reminded again that children are not permitted to access the front yard and only to use the back garden area. The staff had previously been made aware of this 10 April 2024 ##### [Bebé Crèche & Montessori](/creche/bebe-creche-montessori-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) There were seven highchairs available in the Wobbler care room. Three of the highchairs were in operation, two of which were observed to have no shoulder harnesses in use, posing a risk that a child could climb out over the top of the highchairs. In conversation, a staff member stated that a shoulder harness had been missing from one highchair for some time and the other highchair had shortened straps which were not long enough to reach around the child’s shoulders. (2) A mechanism in use to secure the fire exit door in the sleep area of Rest Room two in Pre-school 3 care room was ineffective. A bar which connected it to the contact point on the opposite side was missing, posing a safety issue should a child open the door and exit the building unsupervised. (3) A shatterproof tiled mirror in the Wobbler care room had tiles with broken edges, posing a safety risk should a child catch or trap their fingers on one of the sharp edges. (4) Two light storage units in the Pre-school 4 care room were not anchored, posing a risk of them tipping or falling on a child. (5) There were two aerosol cans within reach of children on a sill above the children’s changing table in the nappy changing area of the Pre-school 4 sanitary area. (6) There was a large, unsecured, adult sized castle frame in the Pre-school 1 care room, posing a tipping hazard to the children. Infection Control: (7) The inspector observed that there was no sterilising fluid in the containers for soothers or mouthed toys in the Wobbler and Pre-school 3 care rooms. This potentially poses a risk of cross infection from children leaving down and picking up mouthed toys and soothers which had been in use by other children. Staff stated the sterilising fluid is not in use at all times. (8) There was no hot water available in the Wobbler/Pre-school 3 changing area. The temperature of the water of the thermostatically controlled water in the adult sink was recorded as 14.7°C and the temperature of the water in the children’s sink was 10.8°C, reducing the risk of hygienic handwashing. (9) The nappy changing bin in operation in the Pre-school 4 nappy changing area was not pedal operated, posing a risk of cross infection and contamination from the lifting of the lid after each nappy change. In conversation, the manager furnished the inspector with a copy of an order which had been made to replace the nappy changing bin. (10) The nappy changing mat in the Pre-school 4 changing area table was torn and the foam was exposed, making it difficult to clean effectively. When informed the manager changed the mat immediately. (11) The two blue rest mats on the floor of the Pre-school 1 rest/quiet area were frayed at the edges making them difficult to clean effectively. (12) The stackable beds in use after lunch in the Pre-school 3 care room were not placed more than 50 cm apart, posing a risk of cross contamination from being too close to the child next to them. Fire Safety: (13) There was a cot blocking the fire exit door in the Wobbler sleep room, posing a safety risk in the event of an emergency. In addition, there was equipment stored on the floor posing a tripping hazard. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) The two high chairs without harnesses were removed and two new high chairs are now available in the Wobbler care room. The staff have been asked to report any broken equipment to management and a repair log book is now available to record same. Management will conduct weekly checks to ensure the high chairs are in a good state of repair. (2) The mechanism used to secure the fire door in Rest Room two in Pre-school 3 care room has been replaced. Management will conduct weekly checks to ensure that all mechanisms are in working order. (3) The tiles on the shatterproof tiled mirror in the Wobbler care room have been replaced. Staff have been reminded to inform management if the tiles need replacing and the repair log is available to record same. The repair log will be checked regularly by management. (4) The two light storage units in the Pre-school 4 care room have been securely anchored. Management will check weekly to ensure all storage units are securely anchored. (5) The two aerosol cans, within reach of the children in the Pre-school 4 sanitary area, were removed. Staff have been reminded to store aerosol cans out of reach of the children. Management will check weekly that this is being carried out. (6) The adult sized children’s castle frame in the Pre-school 1 care room has been secured. Management will ensure that all equipment that is required to be anchored will be secured before the children access to the equipment. Infection Control: (7) Mouthed toy sterilising containers are now in use in the Wobbler and Pre-school 3 care rooms. Staff have been reminded to ensure that mouthed toy sterilising units are replenished each day in order to prevent the spread of infection. Management will carry out checks to ensure that this is done. (8) A plumber was called and the blown fuse which had caused the issue of no hot water in the Wobbler/Pre- school 3 changing area was replaced. Staff have been reminded to inform management should there be an issue with the temperature of the water. A repair log book is now available for staff to record same and this will be checked by the management team regularly. (9) The nappy changing bin in operation in the Pre-school 4 nappy changing area was replaced. Staff have been reminded to inform management of any equipment which needs replacing. (10) The nappy changing mat in the Pre-school 4 changing area table was replaced. Staff have been reminded to inform management of any equipment which needs replacing. A repair log is now available to record any repair/replacement issues. (11) The two blue rest mats on the floor of the Pre-school 1 rest/quiet area were removed and new ones have been ordered. Staff have been reminded to inform management of any equipment which needs replacing. A repair log is now available to record any repair/replacement issues. (12) The stackable beds in use after lunch in the Pre-school 3 care room are reviewed daily by staff to ensure that they there is a minimum of 50 cm between each one. Fire Safety: (13) The cot blocking the fire exit door in the Wobbler sleep room has been repositioned and the toys have been removed 5 April 2024 ##### [Children's House Montessori, Killarney](/creche/children-s-house-montessori-killarney-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) Garda vetting was available for all twelve adults. However, one adult vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. (2) The hinge on the toy box lid in the outdoor play area was broken, posing a safety risk should a child’s fingers become trapped on the hinge. (3) There were no safety catches on the fridge freezer outside the Sunshine care room, posing a risk should a child access unsafe items in the fridge. Infection Control: (4) In contrast to the service’s healthy eating policy the inspector observed that perishable food was not stored in the available fridge, posing a risk of spoiling from being left in the hallway in rubber tubs. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) An application for Garda Vetting was submitted and a new disclosure is now on file. (2) The hinges on the outdoor toy box have been replaced with new ones. (3) Safety catches have been attached onto the fridge. Infection Control: (4) Perishable food is stored in the fridge on arrival 27 March 2024 ##### [Stepping Stones Childcare & Pre-School](/creche/stepping-stones-childcare-pre-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) The window in the Waddler sleep room opened out fully onto a concrete path, posing a safety risk should a child gain access to the window. (2) The lock on the laundry room door, where the washing machine, buckets, mops and dirty linen were stored, was not working. The door was ajar when the inspector walked into the sanitary area of the Toddler toilet area, making it accessible to the children. In discussion staff from the room stated that the door lock had been broken since last summer when the door got jammed with the heat and had to be forced open. (3) The inspector observed three double buggies lying on the floor of the Waddler sleep room, posing a tripping hazard. In conversation, staff stated that these are used to take children for a walk and for ease of use they are being stored on the floor of the sleep room near an exit doorway. (4) The inspector observed, in the Toddler sleep room, where all of the children were aged two years to three years old, that a child’s legs were lying beyond the length of the sleep pod, posing a tripping hazard. The manufacturers guidance suggested that the sleep pod was suitable for children aged from six months. In conversation staff stated that all of the stackable beds and mats were already in use and that five children from the Toddler room slept in the available sleep pods. (5) The fire door in the hallway located between the Waddler and Toddler care rooms, which lead directly out to the car park, posed a safety risk from children being able to access the push bar mechanism and potentially leave the building unsupervised. (6) A nail observed protruding from a broken wooden slat, lying on the grass of the outdoor play area, posed a potential safety risk should a child fall on the rusty nail on the wet grass. (7) There were exposed hinges on the wooden dresser in use in the home corner in the Toddler care room, posing a safety hazard should a child catch their clothing or fingers on the hinges. The broken doors of the dresser were lying at the bottom of the unit. Infection Control: (8) In contrast to the service’s infection control policy the cots in the Waddler care room were not being sanitised between shared use. The inspector observed that the cleaning of shared cots was not recorded on the cleaning schedule. In conversation staff stated that the cots were not cleaned between use. (9) The inspector observed that there were no disposable cloths available in the Waddler or Toddler care rooms for cleaning, posing a risk of cross infection and or contamination. The inspector observed cotton cloths left in a corner of the Waddler sluice room and in an overflowing box at the sink in the Toddler care room. Staff in both rooms stated that cotton cloths are in use on a daily basis. (10) The infectious disease policy outlined that mouthed toys and soothers be placed in a sterilising as soon as is practical after use. On two separate occasions during the inspection, in the Waddler care room, the inspector observed that staff did not place mouthed toys or soothers into a sterilising solution when the children were finished using the toys or soothers, posing a significant risk from cross infection. In conversation with staff, they stated that the sterilising solution is not made up every day and is only made when the room is quiet, and staff have the time. (11) The pedal on the pedal bin in use in the Waddler sluice room was broken preventing the lid from closing properly, posing an infection risk from the number of adults lifting the lid with their hands to insert waste. (12) Contrary to the handwashing procedure detailed in the infectious disease policy procedures for hygienic handwashing were not carried out in the Toddler care room. The inspector observed an adult squeeze dispensing soap on to each child’s hands and wash the soap straight off the child’s hands by putting their hands directly under the running water. In conversation, the staff member was aware of the correct method of hygienic handwashing however, this was not observed in practice. (13) The inspector observed that children’s sleep linen was not individually labelled or stored hygienically as per the service’s safe sleep and infectious disease policies. In discussion, staff stated that between use the children’s linen is rolled up and left on the window sill until it is next required to be used. Safe Sleep: (14) Contrary to the service’s policy on safe sleep the inspector observed, in the Toddler sleep room, that there were no ten-minute physical sleep checks being carried out on the twelve resting/sleeping children. In conversation, staff in the room stated that they did not record the children’s colour, position or breathing, along with the name of the staff conducting the check and the time of the check. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) The windows in the sleep room of the Waddler care room have been secured in order that no child could exit from them. A monthly health and safety check will be carried out with staff in the future to identify any issues. (2) A new lock has been installed on the laundry door to ensure no child can access the area. (3) The buggies are now stored in the playground shed outdoors. (4) Stackable beds have been brought from storage to accommodate the children requiring to sleep or rest in the Toddler sleep area. (5) The alarm on the fire door in the hallway located between the Waddler and Toddler care rooms has been reinstated. (6) The wooden slats have been made safe and the fencing has been secured on both sides. (7) The wooden dresser had been removed from the Toddler room. Infection Control: (8) Staff have been reminded of the importance of sanitising cots between shared use and retraining has taken place in regard to the infection control policy and safe sleep policy. Review of infection control policy to be carried out regularly with staff. (9) All cleaning cloths have been removed and replaced with disposable towels. (10) A steriliser is now in use in the Waddler care room for mouthed toys and soothers. (11) The pedal operated bin in the Waddler sluice room was replaced with a new pedal operated bin. (12) Staff in the Toddler care room have been reminded of the importance of effective handwashing and a handwashing song is now sung as each child washes their hands allowing an appropriate amount of time for same. (13) Sleep linen in the Waddler care room is now being stored in line with the service’s safe sleep policy and staff have been retrained on same. Safe Sleep: (14) Staff in the Toddler care room have been reminded to include all physical aspects including breathing, colour and position of the ten-minute sleep checks. The sleep check record has been amended to reflect these changes 13 March 2024 ##### [Scamps & Scholars Childcare](/creche/scamps-scholars-childcare-killorglin.md), Killorglin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) Two giant dolls houses were observed to be unsecured, one in the Montessori Butterflies and one in the Caterpillar care rooms, posing a potential safety risk from them tipping or falling on the children. (2) One of the children’s highchairs in the Wobblers Senior care room was fitted with a three-way harness and not a five-way harness, posing a safety risk of a child climbing out over the top of the seat as there were no reins for a child’s shoulders. (3) Three wooden benches in the outdoor play area were in a poor state of repair. The inspector observed that the wood on three of the bench seats was splintered posing a safety risk should a child injury themselves from sitting on the missing and splintered wood. (4) A cot in use in the Toddler sleep room was placed under a notice board which had protruding pins inserted into it, posing a safety risk should a pin drop into the cot of a sleeping child. This non- compliance was also noted on the last inspection on 21 February 2023 in the Wobbler care room in which the registered provider stated that staff had been informed on the need to be vigilant regarding the immediate environment surrounding the cots, this was not found on the day of inspection. Infection Control: (5) A red vinyl sofa in the outdoor play area had four areas of exposed foam making it difficult to keep clean. (6) Exposed foam was visible, and stitching was open on vinyl seating in the Wobblers Junior and Senior care rooms, preventing effective cleaning of the soft furnishings. (7) Children in the Wobblers Junior care room had access to two rows of high chairs stacked three chairs high, posing a safety risk should they tip or fall on the wobbling children in the care room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: (1) Both doll’s houses have been secured. These have been added to the health and safety checklist. (2) The high chairs have been removed from the Wobbler Senior care room. High chairs have been added to the health and safety checklist. (3) The three wooden benches in the outdoor area were removed and sent for refurbishment. (4) The cot was moved to ensure that no pins could fall into it or onto a child while sleeping. Staff have been reminded to check the area and to ensure that no cot is placed under the notice board. Infection Control: (5) (6) The soft furnishings were removed. Alternative soft furnishings are being considered which are more durable. (7) The chairs have been removed when not in use. These have been added to the health and safety checklist 12 March 2024 ##### [Little Rascals Childcare Facility](/creche/little-rascals-childcare-facility-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Access to cables was not prevented in the Pre-school room, which posed a risk of injury or strangulation to a child. The CD player cable, which was plugged into a wall socket had not been appropriately tethered. 2. The hot water in the sink adjacent to the nappy changing are of Toddler room 2 was recorded at 45.9°C, water at this temperature may pose a risk of a scald injury to a child. 3. The mat on the floor under the front window in the Toddler 2 room was torn and causing a trip and infection control hazard as it was not easily cleaned. Infection Control: 4. It was observed in the Toddler rooms that a staff member did not change the plastic apron used when changing a child’s nappy before commencing changing a second child’s nappy, this poses a risk of contamination and may lead to cross infection. 5. It was observed on two occasions that two children did not have their hands washed after they had their nappies changed were either put to bed or were returned to the care room, this poses a risk of cross infection in each of the care rooms. 6. The lidded bin at the nappy changing station in Toddler room 2 was not used correctly as a minimal contact bin. The staff were observed to open the lid by hand and then to open the internal lid also by hand when a pedal mechanism was available for the outer lid and a push through mechanism available for the internal lid. These multiple contacts increase the risk of contamination and cross infection within the service. 7. The stick-on covering for the tables in the Toddler 2 room were torn at the corners and on the top, this exposed a fleece type material underneath, this material was not easily cleaned and poses a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The CD player has been removed and the socket has been covered with a socket cover. Cables and leads have been added to the room risk assessment to ensure they are appropriately tethered. This will be continuously monitored by staff and the registered provider. 2. The thermostat has been turned down to control the temperature of the water and assessment of the hot water temperature will be carried out daily as part of the room risk assessment. The temperatures will be monitored by the registered provider. 3. This mat under the window has been removed and assessment of the mat has been added to the risk assessment. Having the room risk assessment in place will ensure that any mats will be removed once found torn, this will be monitored by staff and the registered provider. Infection Control: 4. The nappy changing policy has issued to all staff and its implementation will be monitored by the registered provider. The nappy changing producers have been discussed at the staff meeting on 29th March. The implementation of the policy will be monitored by the registered provider. 5. The hand washing policy has been issued to all staff. The registered provider has stated in the corrective actions that all staff have been spoken too about the importance of hand washing for the children after nappy changing to prevent cross infection. The implementation of the hand washing policy will be monitored by the registered provider. 6. All staff having been given a demonstration on the use of the nappy bin. The registered provider has committed to monitoring the use of this on an ongoing basis. The registered provider has ensured that all staff are given a demonstration on how to use bins properly to avoid cross infection. This will be monitored by the registered provider. 7. The cover for the table in Toddler room 2 has have been removed and replaced with new covering. Implementation of the room risk assessment, once torn or evidence of wear the covering will be replaced. This will be monitored by the registered provider 22 February 2024 ##### [Benin Casa Montessori School](/creche/benin-casa-montessori-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) Garda vetting was available for all fourteen adults. However, one vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. (2) The inspector observed a hanging aerial wire, accessible to the children, in the outdoor mud kitchen area, posing a safety risk should the children come into contact with it. (3) A water hose pipe, which was hanging down from a hook in coils, in the mud kitchen area, represented a tripping hazard for the children as it was located on the ground directly in front of one of the entrance/exit gates to the area. Infection Control: (4) A rubbish bin in operation at the sink in the Ladybird care room, with several pieces of used blue roll inside, was not lidded or pedal operated. This did not ensure that hygiene levels could be maintained for the children or adults using the bin. (5) The inspector observed children in the Garden care room taking perishable food out of their bags which had been stored in the reception area of the building. In conversation, a staff member stated that perishable food is not currently stored in the fridge in the reception area posing a risk of the food spoiling from being left for long periods at room temperature. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: (1) A Garda vetting application was submitted following the inspection. A database of Garda vetting expiry dates has been created in the service to ensure a timely application is made in the future. (2) (3) Both the aerial wire and water hose were removed from wall of the outdoor mud kitchen area. A risk assessment will be carried out in all areas before the children are allowed in the outdoor areas. Infection Control: (4) The bin in the Ladybird room was removed and replaced with a pedal operated bin. The floor manager will ensure that all broken equipment is removed and replaced in order to prevent the spread of infection. (5) Staff, in all rooms, have been reminded that perishable food must be stored in the fridges provided 17 January 2024 ##### [Feileacan Pre-school](/creche/feileacan-pre-school-listowel.md), Listowel · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Popcorn was observed at the morning mealtime posing a choking hazard to children. This was at variance to the Healthy Eating Policy of the service that stated, “popcorn was not permitted”. Infection Control: 2. An instantaneous supply of warm water was not available at 1 wash hand basin in the children’s sanitary accommodation (with the 2 toilets and 2 wash hand basins) and at the adult sanitary accommodation to enable effective handwashing to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. 3.The children’s perishable food items were not stored in the spacious fridges (1 fridge in each room) to prevent food spoilage. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated that: - - General Safety: 1. The parents were contacted through the What’s App group to remind them of adhering to popcorn not allowed as per the Healthy Eating Policy of the service The Healthy Eating Policy of the service was discussed. The staff will be more vigilant and will feel more confident in noting any breeches to parents Infection Control: 2. The plumber has installed an extra tap in the children’s sanitary accommodation where the 2 toilets and the 2 wash hand basins are located. The water valve has been adjusted in the adult sanitary accommodation for instantaneous warm water. There was a staff meeting held on 22/01/’24, all staff were given the responsibility of checking the warm water system and the contact details of the plumber should there was no hot water available. The manager will check the water in sinks every morning before the children arrive to ensure there is adequate hot water. In addition, the plumber is to check the system every term to ensure the water system is working correctly. The staff will use the daily checklist to ensure there is adequate heating and warm water supply each morning. There will be more regular meetings with the club committee in keeping with the maintenance of the building. It is a challenge within the preschool, as the room, hallways, toilets are used for extra activities by other parties which does add a lot of extra work: cleaning and vigilance. 3. The perishable items are now stored in the fridge. At the staff meeting it was planned to use a” colour themed game” with the children after the rollcall to place the food in the fridge 17 January 2024 ##### [Scallywags Pre-school](/creche/scallywags-pre-school-killarney.md), Killarney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: (1) There were two loose, sharp, hinges on the pink dolls house, posing a safety risk should the children harm themselves on the sharp edges of the loose hinges. (2) The inspector observed that there were two wheelbarrows available in the outdoor play area, both had rusted handles and legs. The paint was peeling off, posing a safety risk from the sharp pieces of paint should they lodge in a child’s hand or finger. (3) One car and two ride-ons in the outdoor play area had exposed plastic cracks and areas of plastic were missing, posing a safety risk should a child trap their fingers or hand in the missing holes with the sharp edges. Infection Control: (4) The inspector observed that there was no fridge available for storing perishable food, in conversation the staff member stated that the fridge was broken posing a risk of food spoiling from being left at room temperature in the care room. (5) Swing bins were in operation in the children’s sanitary area and at the adult sink in the main care room, posing a risk of cross infection from the number of adults and children observed coming into contact with the lids of the bins on the day of inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - : The following statements were made by the registered provider: General Safety: (1) The hinges have been replaced on the doll’s house. (2) The wheelbarrows have been scraped, sanded and re-sprayed. (3) The car and the ride-ons have been removed from the area. Infection Control: (4) A new fridge has been ordered. (5) All swing bins have been replaced 15 March 2023 ##### [Valentia Island Resource and Childcare Centre](/creche/valentia-island-resource-and-childcare-centre-valentia-island.md), Valentia Island · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A plastic bag was seen stored in a cubby space in the creche room which posed a risk suffocation. 2.The children attending the pre-school room had access to the cleaning materials and toiletries which were stored on a shelf which posed a risk of poisoning if ingested by the children. Infection Control: The following issues posed a risk of cross infection - 3. A nappy changing mat was stored in the toilets of the pre-school room. In conversation with a staff member it was reported that a child required nappy changing and it was conducted on the floor. 4. It was observed that there were storage items placed in the adult toilet floor. 5. Some of the children in the pre-school room were observed eating off the tables Action submitted by the Registered Provider - & Supporting Documentation Submitted The manager stated that following – 1 & 2. Plastic bags and children’s toiletries will not be accessible to the children going forward and staff members have been trained to ensure that this practice is continued. An updated policy was submitted stating the above. 3.The nappy changing mat has been moved from the pre-school toilets. If a child requires a change of nappy the child will be taken to the nappy changing room. Photographs were submitted of the pre-school toilets to evidence this action. 4.Storage items have been moved from the adult toilet. Photographs of this room were forwarded to evidence. 5.Children will be offered plates and beakers as required. A photograph of newly purchased plastic plates and beakers was submitted. Summary Comment The manager submitted the relevant documentation to evidence that the identified non-compliances had been adequately addressed. The Requirements have been met 14 February 2023 ##### [Coco’s Creche & Pre-school](/creche/coco-s-creche-pre-school-tralee.md), Tralee · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. The protective mattress cover on 1 cot was torn posing a risk of the spread of infection as the mattress was not adequately covered and protected. Safe Sleep: 1.There was no written record of sleep checks carried out on children who had slept. Fire Safety: 2. The maintenance record for the fire-fighting equipment was 29/11/2021 and for the smoke alarms was 18/10/2021.The registered provider informed the inspector that servicing of both had been scheduled for servicing during February 2023. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. The protective mattress cover has been replaced with a new cover. Safe Sleep: 2. There are now written records of all checks caried out on sleeping children. Fire Safety: 3. The smoke alarm servicing was carried out on 24/02/’23 and the firefighting equipment service on 3/05/’23 ### Regulation 23 in other counties - [Carlow](/regulation/23/carlow.md) - [Cavan](/regulation/23/cavan.md) - [Clare](/regulation/23/clare.md) - [Cork](/regulation/23/cork.md) - [Donegal](/regulation/23/donegal.md) - [Dublin](/regulation/23/dublin.md) - [Galway](/regulation/23/galway.md) - [Kildare](/regulation/23/kildare.md) - [Kilkenny](/regulation/23/kilkenny.md) - [Laois](/regulation/23/laois.md) - [Leitrim](/regulation/23/leitrim.md) - [Limerick](/regulation/23/limerick.md) - [Longford](/regulation/23/longford.md) - [Louth](/regulation/23/louth.md) - [Mayo](/regulation/23/mayo.md) - [Meath](/regulation/23/meath.md) - [Monaghan](/regulation/23/monaghan.md) - [Offaly](/regulation/23/offaly.md) - [Roscommon](/regulation/23/roscommon.md) - [Sligo](/regulation/23/sligo.md) - [Tipperary](/regulation/23/tipperary.md) - [Waterford](/regulation/23/waterford.md) - [Westmeath](/regulation/23/westmeath.md) - [Wexford](/regulation/23/wexford.md) - [Wicklow](/regulation/23/wicklow.md) --- Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/regulation/23/kerry/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11